Clinical Specialty Advisor: Brandon Minzer, MD, EdM, MA
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Frequently asked Questions by MS1s and MS2s
Consider shadowing an Anesthesiologist, either during first or second year and/or during the Personalized Active Learning (PAL) block that takes place during the last 6 weeks of first year. Pay special attention to physiology and pharmacology coursework. Learn more about the specialty from the Medical Student section of the American Society of Anesthesiology website
Research is not required, but it may help show interest. If a student is interested in pursuing research it would be optimal to have one or two projects where the student played a major role rather than several projects with minimal involvement. When first thinking about research consider what questions interest you. Anesthesia research can include bench research, clinical research, drug trials, translational research, outcomes research (QA/QI), or even Operating Room Utilization projects. There is also a large body of research devoted to preoperative assessment and medical optimization within the umbrella of the “Surgical Home”. While research is not necessary to match into a given field, any project that a student can passionately discuss with a potential interviewer would still be helpful.
Your Career and Professional Advisor can help provide you with local Anesthesiology Specialty Advisor contacts who may need help with ongoing projects. These Mentors, as well as Dr. McEchron, can provide great resources. Work with your peers, recent graduates, local Residents and Fellows as well as Anesthesiology faculty and express your interest in getting involved.
A strong academic foundation is the most important priority. If a student feels they can adequately balance academics while participating in community service or extracurricular activities it may help to develop a well rounded application and positively contribute to the community.
The National Resident Matching Program tracks statistical scores for matched students in each specialty. Learn more about Anesthesiology match trends here
Information specific to Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology requires four years of postgraduate training. Some programs are Categorical, PGY 1-4, with an integrated Internship year. Others require a separate PGY-1 year and are considered Advanced Match, as graduating fourth year medical students match into a separate internship program as well as their PGY 2-4 Anesthesia program at the same time. Occasionally, programs may offer a position to Interns currently in their internship looking to start Anesthesia Residency the upcoming year, designated an “R” position. The American Board of Anesthesiology accepts any clinical base year as a PGY-1. Many Anesthesiologists choose between a medicine and a surgical intern year. Transitional Year programs are another popular option for Internship as they offer a broad view of a variety of clinical exposures and rotations.
Update for Academic Year 24-25
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Elective Recommendations from Clinical Specialty Advising
Anesthesiology Student Interest Group
Click here to visit the Anesthesia Interest Group Website
Additional Resources
Learn more about American Society of Anesthesiology here
Check out the American Society of Anesthesiology Guide to a Career in Anesthesiology here
Review the Society for Education in Anesthesiology website here