Have to agree with SS there, No matter how much research you do, or what degree of higher learning you have, when you introduce yourself as doctor XYZ to a patient who is about to have surgery, you are leading them to the illusion that you are an MD in anesthesia. I still feel the best way to introduce yourself is as 'the anesthetist', and you can explain from there if the pt. asks. Bottom line is you have a masters degree in anesthesia even if you do have a PHD in anything else.