Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program

The Ochsner Anesthesiology Residency Program provides exceptional training at one of the largest private academic medical centers in the southern United States. This accredited program prides itself on continuously maintaining high standards and has been free of citations since the inception of the Next Accreditation System.

The program's objective is to cultivate residents' cognitive and clinical skills essential for anesthesiology practice. The curriculum is designed to ensure comprehensive exposure to the knowledge base necessary for board certification, promoting lifelong learning and professional development among residents. Graduates from this program have successfully transitioned into diverse practice settings across the United States, and many have pursued further specialized training through fellowships in distinguished programs.

Each year, the program accepts 11 categorical residents, boasting a rolling board certification rate of 94%, outperforming the national average of 89%. In addition to general anesthesiology training, the Ochsner Anesthesiology Department offers five accredited fellowship programs, including Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Regional and Acute Pain Medicine, further enhancing the training opportunities available.

Clinical Experience

Residents typically start their day around 6:00 AM to prepare for surgical procedures, with shifts usually concluding in the afternoon. The program incorporates night float weeks, allowing residents to experience in-hospital responsibilities from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM several times each year. The structured call schedule ensures students gain substantial in-hospital experience while maintaining a balance that avoids excessive night shifts.

Throughout their training, residents progressively take on more autonomous patient care roles, ultimately being qualified to provide comprehensive anesthetic care, even for complex cases by the end of their residency. Notably, variance in case assignments guarantees optimal clinical education as residents receive tailored case assignments based on their individual training needs.

Educational Framework and Didactics

The residency curriculum is meticulously structured across five years. In the first year (PGY I), residents undergo intensive training in various medical fields, including 5 months focused on general internal medicine and critical care. Subsequent years progressively increase each resident's exposure to anesthesiology subspecialties.

Theoretical learning occurs through a robust didactic framework, presenting a two-hour formal lecture series weekly, supplemented by patient safety conferences and journal clubs aimed at enhancing critical analysis and current literature evaluation. Furthermore, residents receive access to question banks and simulated oral board exams that prepare them for future board certification tests.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Residents are encouraged to participate in research as part of their training, allowing them to define research questions and execute studies throughout their residency. The program allocates funding for residents to present their research findings at professional meetings and offers a Research and Innovation fellowship for interested candidates. This focus on scholarly activity aims to foster an environment conducive to advancing clinical knowledge within the field of anesthesiology.

Facilities and Teaching Resources

The Ochsner Medical Center offers state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, including several accredited hospitals equipped with advanced technologies. These teaching facilities are dedicated to providing an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to healthcare, ensuring that residents gain experience in a comprehensive healthcare hub.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program places significant emphasis on personal development and well-being by incorporating stress management seminars and educational opportunities that promote both clinical and personal growth. Residents engage in mentorship throughout their training, receiving guidance in career choices and supporting residency or fellowship placement.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program operates under a competitive selection process, considering applicants who have completed the USMLE steps 1 and 2 or the COMLEX equivalent before the interview season. The use of CentralApp as an application platform reflects the program's commitment to minimizing financial barriers associated with traditional application processes. Potential candidates must express their interest in the program through signaling.

Visa sponsorship is available for international applicants, including the H-1B and J-1 visa types, making the program accessible to a diverse range of candidates, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO graduates.