Karl O. Kristiansen, MD

Nobody wakes up in the morning thinking "Today is the day I want to have surgery". My job is to normalize emotions of anxiety, stress, or fear surrounding surgery. The anesthesiology team is by your side for the entire procedure. Medicine, and especially anesthesia, is complex. It is important to have providers that can connect with patients and take the time to explain procedures in terms that make sense. I also make sure to answer all of the family members’ questions. It is important for family members to know what to expect so they can help their loved ones during their recovery from anesthesia and surgery.

I want my patients to feel like they have control over their healthcare decisions. Part of that control is having knowledge. I take the time to explain my role as an anesthesiologist and the different options that are available for a given procedure.