Anesthesiology
Infants and children react differently than adults to anesthesia. Our pediatric anesthesiologists are specially trained to administer general anesthesia, sedation and pain medicine to children.
Our goal is to keep your child as comfortable as possible before, during and after surgery. We will explain the steps in the anesthesia process and answer your questions to help reduce anxiety, for both you and your child. A member of our team will explain how and when your child will transition from your care to ours for surgery preparation, who will provide care in the operating and recovery rooms and how your child will wake up to familiar faces.
Your guide to pediatric surgery locations at Vanderbilt
Learn everything you need to know to prepare your child and yours...
Meet Your Care Team
Alexandra C. CatesMD
- Anesthesiology, Pain Medicine, Pediatric Anesthesiology and Perioperative Services
Why You Can Trust Anesthesiology Services at Monroe Carell
- Advanced training
Our pediatric anesthesiologists and pediatric certified registered nurse anesthetists receive advanced training to understand children’s unique anesthesia needs. This ensures safety, comfort and best outcomes for your child.
- Depth of experience
Our pediatric anesthesiologists oversee the anesthetic management and perioperative care of more than 23,000 patients at Children’s Hospital each year. We offer a full range of inpatient and outpatient perioperative services and serve as a major referral center for Tennessee and surrounding states.
- Personalized care
After reviewing medical records, we will collaborate with you, your child and your child’s doctors to create a personalized anesthesia plan. It is important to answer questions accurately to ensure the safety of your child.
- Collaborative care
Through personalized intervention, our Complex Coordination of Care Program team strives to minimize your stress. Our team works with you to combine procedures so that your child receives needed care with as little anesthetic exposure as possible. You can help us coordinate procedures by letting us know if your child is scheduled for future visits. Our team works with other departments to personalize a schedule for you.
- Family-centered resources
To prepare and cope with an upcoming surgical experience, you may schedule a visit for your family with Preoperative Assessment and Teaching for Children's Hospital (PATCH). A child life specialist will teach your child about their surgery in the way children learn best – through their senses. You will also meet with a family nurse practitioner to discuss the operation and anesthesia.
