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am a practicing CRNA for 15+ years and think this debate has gone completely crazy. First of all, to the other CRNAs who are salivating at the prospect of running the show by themselves, be careful what you wish for. We do not take call like MDs, our hours are better, and if you actually look at the per hour salary, we are closer to anesthesiologists than you realize. Secondly, I can honestly say I would not be the competent CRNA that I am today were it not for the vigilant supervision and teaching that anesthesiologists have provided me over the years. So many times in my career, the you know what has hit the fan, and the anesthesiologist has come to the rescue and prevented me from looking like an idiot. Sure, I feel confident now and can do many ASA1 and ASA2 cases without much supervision. However, knowing that an anesthesiologist is around the corner to help is something I think is genuinely better for the patient. Let's be honest here. The anesthesiologists did go to medical school and residency, so obviously they are going to have more knowledge and skills than we have. That being said, I do not appreciate the belittling that some physician groups have done towards CRNAs --- we are an essential and valuable part of the anesthesia team and should be treated accordingly. The badgering that is going back and forth is ultimately all about money and should be about patients. Do I think we should be supervised? --- yes. Do I think we should be treated as useless technicians? --- no. We need to increase the dialogue and be respectful for our patients sake. Elizabeth WT CRNA Maryland