intensivist intensivist an intensivist, also known as a critical care doctor, is a medical practitioner who specializes in the care of critically ill patients, most often in the intensive care unit (icu). intensivists can be internists or internal medicine sub-specialists (most often pulmonologists), anesthesiologists, emergency medicine physicians, pediatricians (including neonatologists), or surgeons who have completed a fellowship in critical care medicine. the intensivist must be competent not only in a broad spectrum of conditions among critically ill patients but also with the technical procedures and equipment (i.e. mechanical ventilators) used in the intensive care setting. intensivistoccupationsynonymscritical care doctoroccupation typespecialtyactivity sectorsmedicinedescriptioneducation requireddoctor of medicine, doctor of osteopathic medicinefields ofemploymenthospitals, intensive care unit, cvicu, surgical icu training in different countries sweden in sweden one speciality entails both anesthesiology and intensive care, i.e. one cannot become and anesthetist without also becoming an intensivist and vice versa. the swedish board of health and welfare regulates specialization for medical doctors in the country and defines the speciality of anesthesiology and intensive care as being: “ characterized by a cross-professional approach and entailing perioperative medicine, anesthesia and pain relief during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, intensive care, urgent care of patients with serious diseases and injuries, prehospital care including transport and disaster medicine, and pain management.” a medical doctor can enter training as a resident in anesthesiology and intensive care after obtaining a license to practice medicine, following an 18-24 month internship. the residency program then lasts at least five years, not including the internship.