Residency Advisor

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

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Director

James A Scott, DOResidency Program Director; General, Vascular and Liver Transplant Anesthesiologist; Cardiovascular Surgical Intensivist; Research Principal Investigator; Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Appointed Since August 2020
aaron.scott@umassmemorial.org

Program

Program Size

8, 8, 8, 9 (4 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since October 1976

Composition

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

60hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

24hrs

First Year Salary:

$68,212

First Year Paid Vacation:

20 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

15 days

Training

Fellowship Rate:

44%

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

2X

Residents career path:

Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

200

Visa Sponsorship:

J1

YOG Cutoff:

5

Match History

3050040C0

2024

8 of 8

2023

8 of 8

2022

8 of 8

2021

8 of 8

2020

8 of 8

3050040A1

2020

1 of 1

Location

Worcester, MA

Population
862,111
Income
$94,099
Education
41.4%
Employment
63.5%
Health
2.7%
Age
40

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Worcester, MA

Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:

Crime Rate and Safety:

Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.

Fun Activities:

Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.

Climate:

Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.

Races and Population:

Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.

Education:

Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.

Cost of Living:

The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.

Proximity to Bigger Cities:

Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.

Pros and Cons:

One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.

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