Cooper Medical School of Rowan University/Cooper University Hospital Program

The Anesthesiology Residency Program at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and Cooper University Hospital is a well-established, ACGME-accredited four-year program aimed at fostering excellence in anesthesia care. This residency is structured around a competency-based model, equipping residents with essential knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary for clinical practice and lifelong learning.

The program has a capacity for 20 residents who benefit from a diverse faculty committed to creating a supportive environment. Annually, the anesthesiology department administers over 33,000 anesthetics across two key teaching sites, ensuring residents gain extensive hands-on experience in a variety of surgical subspecialties. The residents are exposed to a comprehensive array of clinical cases, particularly in a high-acuity environment, given that Cooper University Hospital is designated as a Level I Trauma Center. This designation means that residents are actively involved in the management of complex trauma patients.

Furthermore, additional pediatric experience is emphasized through rotations at the renowned Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), enriching the residents' training. Each resident is paired with a faculty advisor, promoting both professional development and personal support that aligns with the program's educational objectives.

Curriculum Structure

The residency program is structured into several key components:

• **Clinical Base Year (PGY-1)**: This year includes a variety of rotations in internal medicine, critical care, radiology, and anesthesiology itself, with specific training designed to ensure readiness for the anesthesia specialty.
• **CA-1 Year**: Residents begin their formal anesthesia training, entailing close supervision and one-on-one mentoring. They participate in daily didactic sessions focusing on fundamental knowledge of anesthesiology.
• **CA-2 Year**: The second year introduces residents to subspecialty anesthesia training, such as pediatric, neuroanesthesia, and pain management. Residents engage in clinical and educational activities, including Grand Rounds and specialty lectures.
• **CA-3 Year**: This year emphasizes autonomy, with residents expected to master advanced anesthesia practices and develop teaching abilities. Completing their training here solidifies their readiness for independent practice or further fellowship training.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

Residents partake in dedicated rotations that cover significant areas of anesthetic practice, including but not limited to:

• **General OR Rotation**: An initial exposure to a breadth of surgical procedures to develop foundational skills.
• **Critical Care Medicine/ICU Rotation**: Hands-on experience managing critically ill patients, enhancing their knowledge underlying acute care.
• **Obstetrical Anesthesia**: Focuses on anesthetic management in labor and delivery settings.
• **Pediatric Anesthesia**: Training at CHOP ensures expertise in handling pediatric patients during anesthesia.
• **Simulation-Based Learning**: The program highly emphasizes a robust and comprehensive simulation training that is integrated into all levels of residency education. This allows residents to practice critical procedures in a controlled environment, enhancing clinical skills and team dynamics.

Research and Academic Opportunities

The residency program encourages residents to participate in research activities, contributing to advancements in anesthesiology. The faculty is engaged in ongoing research and has numerous collaborations, providing residents with the opportunity for academic publications and conference presentations.

Diversity and Inclusion

The mission of the program includes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness, fostering an environment where residents from all backgrounds can thrive. The GME Diversity Council at Cooper University Healthcare is actively engaged in promoting this mission.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for application, candidates must have completed a minimum of one year of postgraduate training in an ACGME-accredited program and must have passed the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams before entry into the residency. Additionally, all residents are expected to have passed the USMLE Step 3 by the end of their CA-1 year. Detailed application materials are processed through ERAS and must include comprehensive documentation, including letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates (IMGs) and has experience accommodating J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating opportunities for non-US citizen applicants to participate in their residency training.

Competitiveness of the Program

Cooper's Anesthesiology Residency Program is regarded as competitive. Applicants from both DO and IMG backgrounds are welcome, reflecting the program's commitment to diversity and the inclusion of different educational experiences in medicine.

The combination of comprehensive training, supportive faculty, and a commitment to both education and clinical excellence makes the anesthesia residency at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University a promising choice for aspiring anesthesiologists.