In Vietnam, what was the ratio of CRNAs to physicians?

• A. 1 CRNA for every 5 MDs
• B. 17 CRNAs for every MD
• C. 2 CRNAs for each surgeon
• D. 10 CRNAs for every MD

Answer: (B)

Vietnam's anesthesia workforce historically relies heavily on CRNAs to meet access needs, often under physician supervision. A ratio of 17 CRNAs for every MD shows a substantial CRNA presence relative to physicians, meaning for each physician there are many CRNAs available to provide anesthesia services. This reflects a model designed to expand coverage and access in settings where physician numbers are limited, leveraging CRNAs to support perioperative care.

The other options don’t fit this pattern. A single CRNA for five physicians would indicate far greater physician dominance and less CRNA coverage. Describing CRNAs per surgeon shifts the measurement away from the physician-to-CRNA balance and isn’t aligned with the reported workforce structure. A ratio of ten CRNAs per MD is still less extreme than seventeen, and does not match the documented distribution in that context.