Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School Program

Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School offers a comprehensive Anesthesiology Residency Program that welcomes medical students to apply for this three-year curriculum aimed at developing proficient anesthesiologists. The mission of the program focuses on delivering outstanding perioperative care, emphasizing the significance of education, research, and clinical involvement in a diverse community setting. Faculty members are dedicated to mentoring and teaching residents the vital competencies required in anesthesiology.1

The residency is primarily conducted at University Hospital in Newark, which is a Level One Trauma Center. This allows residents to engage in the management of complex cases, including high volumes of trauma cases and routine elective surgeries on patients with multiple comorbidities. Alongside clinical exposure, the program incorporates three hours of weekly protected didactics, and residents benefit from outdoor simulations that provide realistic training opportunities in clinical practice. The Wellness Curriculum is another significant aspect of the program that supports residents in achieving a healthy work-life balance throughout their rigorous training.1

Application Process

Applicants to the residency program should note that applications are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). This process includes the submission of an application, CV, personal statement, Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's letter), official transcript, and a minimum of three letters of recommendation. The program enforces a graduation cut-off of five years for applicants, and while there is no absolute cutoff for USMLE scores, competitive scores are vital as the selection committee prioritizes highly qualified candidates due to limited interview slots. US clinical experience is also strongly encouraged for candidates who are International Medical Graduates (IMGs). However, USMLE Step 3 is not a requirement at the time of application but must be passed by the beginning of the PGY-1 year.1

Resident Curriculum Overview

The Anesthesiology residency training comprises three main stages:

CA-1 Year

The first year focuses on foundational technical skills necessary for clinical anesthesia practice. The orientation involves intensive faculty supervision to facilitate learning, with residents gradually taking on greater responsibilities in patient management including pre-operative evaluation and intraoperative management. CA-1 residents are expected to prepare for and pass the BASIC examination by the end of the year.1

CA-2 Year

During this middle phase, residents engage in advanced subspecialty training through various rotations, acquiring skills in diverse procedures. Responsibilities increase as residents transition to more independent roles and encounter more complex case scenarios.1

CA-3 Year

The final year emphasizes the development of independence and confidence in managing complex cases. The curriculum is tailored to meet individual residents’ needs, providing opportunities to prepare for fellowship interviews and offering comprehensive training to ensure readiness for board examinations.1

Clinical Facilities and Training Sites

The primary training sites for the Anesthesiology Residency Program are University Hospital and Hackensack University Medical Center. These facilities provide an extraordinary educational experience with exposure to a wide variety of clinical scenarios and patient populations. The partnership with these institutions enhances the overall training quality by blending urban acute care with private tertiary care experiences.1

Research Opportunities

The program promotes a strong research environment where residents are encouraged to participate in clinical and basic science research. Experienced faculty members lead various research initiatives within the department, focusing on topics ranging from chronic pain management to advanced anesthetic techniques. Further support for research activities includes funding opportunities and collaboration with the NIH, embracing a culture of innovation within the field.1

Visa Support and Competitiveness

For IMGs, it is essential that applicants possess ECFMG certification to be considered for residency positions. The program is regarded as friendly toward DO and IMG candidates, and the success rate of IMGs in fellowship placements further underscores the inclusivity of the training program.1

Additionally, the program offers support for H-1B and J-1 visa sponsorship, making it a practical choice for international candidates seeking a residency opportunity in the United States.1

Resident Wellness Initiatives

Recognizing the challenges faced during residency, the program has established a Wellness Curriculum designed to address the personal and professional growth of its residents. This initiative includes regular surveys to monitor resident well-being, lectures on various dimensions of health, and the implementation of a resident wellness champion program aimed at fostering a supportive community within the residency. Social events and open forums are also organized to encourage communication and strengthen bonds among residents.1