UMass Chan Medical School Program

The UMass Chan Medical School Anesthesiology Residency Program aims to foster the growth of exceptional clinicians in perioperative medicine. This program provides a comprehensive clinical experience at UMass Memorial Medical Center, renowned for its extensive resources including a Level 1 trauma center, a liver transplant facility, and a specialized center for complex aortic disease.1

Central to the residency experience is a strong emphasis on education, scholarly work, and mentorship within a supportive community. The program encourages engagement in various service activities and the promotion of diversity and wellness. These characteristics are essential for ensuring that residents develop into compassionate, knowledgeable professionals ready to excel in any anesthesia practice setting.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum emphasizes comprehensive training through a structured progression across the residency years. The training begins with a Clinical Base Year (CBY), followed by three additional years focusing primarily on anesthesia practice.

Clinical Base Year (CBY)

The CBY consists of various rotations designed to build a solid foundation in medical and surgical specialties, with rotations lasting four weeks. This includes:

• 12 weeks in surgery, covering a range of disciplines such as Colorectal and Trauma
• 8 weeks in Internal Medicine
• 4 weeks in Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, and Pulmonology Consult
• 4 weeks in Critical Care
• Special rotations in Anesthesiology and Pain Management

This CBY structure ensures that trainees are well-prepared for the subsequent residence years, where emphasis shifts to developing anesthesia-specific skills and knowledge.3

CA-1 Year

The CA-1 year focuses on the fundamentals of anesthesia. Residents will undergo a comprehensive orientation and experience essential clinical anesthesia practices while shadowing senior residents and attending physicians. The learning environment fosters independence gradually as residents take more responsibility in clinical settings.3

CA-2 Year

This year shifts the focus to subspecialty rotations, covering areas such as:

• Cardiothoracic Anesthesia
• Neuroanesthesia
• Pediatrics
• Vascular Anesthesia
• Surgical Critical Care

Residents will gain skills in advanced monitoring techniques, airway management, and other specialized practices.3

CA-3 Year

The final residency year allows residents to engage in advanced clinical assignments and take on leadership roles within the clinical team. Residents have opportunities for electives and research projects to personalize their training according to their evolving interests.3

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to participate in scholarly projects throughout their training. The program incorporates dedicated time for research, enabling residents to explore their academic interests and refine their clinical expertise through practical application. Mentorship in research planning and execution is available.2

Application and Competitiveness

The UMass Chan Medical School Anesthesiology Residency Program welcomes applications from both MD and DO graduates, including international medical graduates. However, it is considered a highly competitive program, and applicants are expected to have strong academic credentials and clinical experience. Specific application requirements may include demonstrated proficiency on standardized exams and a commitment to the specialty through prior clinical exposure.4

The program supports visa sponsorship for ECFMG-certified international medical graduates, providing sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, thereby ensuring a diverse and inclusive training environment for all residents.4

Unique Aspects

The program emphasizes a collaborative and community-focused learning environment. With a relatively small class size of eight residents per year, each trainee can benefit from personalized mentoring and substantial clinical exposure, fostering both independence and teamwork. Residents frequently express appreciation for the close relationships fostered with faculty members, resulting in a nurturing environment conducive to both professional and personal growth.3