UMass Chan Medical School Program
Location:
Worcester, MASpecialty:
Critical care medicine (Anesthesiology)ACGME Code:
0452431017The UMass Chan Medical School Critical Care Medicine (Anesthesiology) program is designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of anesthesiology with a focus on critical care management. The program's curriculum is structured to develop residents not only as skilled clinicians but as adept leaders in perioperative medicine.
Training Environment
The residency program is hosted at UMass Memorial Medical Center, which is a distinguished Level 1 trauma center. This facility is equipped with advanced capabilities including a helipad, a liver transplant center, and a well-respected service for complex aortic disease cases. Residents benefit from exposure to a high-risk obstetric service underpinned by the only Level III NICU in the region. Such a robust clinical environment enhances the educational framework that ensures residents can effectively engage in scholarly activities, fostering skills needed to excel as educators in diverse practice settings.1
Curriculum Overview
The residency program features a detailed curriculum primarily divided into multiple stages, including Clinical Base Year (CBY), CA-1, CA-2, and CA-3 years. Each stage is tailored to provide residents with thorough clinical exposure supplemented by didactic learning opportunities. The PGY-1 year includes rotations in surgery, internal medicine, and other relevant specialties, as well as introductory anesthesiology training.3
Clinical Base Year
The Clinical Base Year consists of a series of block rotations meant to build a foundation in medical and surgical specialties, incorporating critical care training. It extends 12 weeks in surgical rotations and includes various subspecialty consults. Moreover, residents are expected to attend all necessary didactic sessions pertinent to their rotations.3
CA-1 Year
The emphasis shifts during the CA-1 year towards fundamental concepts in anesthesiology, integrating both theory and hands-on training in the operating room. Residents undergo extensive training in various anesthetic techniques and monitoring practices to solidify their basic clinical skills.3
Advanced Years: CA-2 and CA-3
In the CA-2 and CA-3 years, residents delve deeper into subspecialties of anesthesiology, engaging in areas such as cardiothoracic anesthesiology, neuroanesthesia, and pediatric anesthesia. The CA-3 year is particularly focused on advanced clinical anesthesia assignments. Residents have considerable freedom to tailor their training according to their interests, with opportunities for elective rotations in subspecialties such as pain management and regional anesthesia.3
Research Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities and strive for scholarly output, facilitated by a Clinical Scientist track designed for those with significant academic inclinations. The program supports residents in forming research proposals which are vetted by a research committee within the department, allowing them to harness research skills critical for their future medical careers.3
Visa Support
The program offers immigration assistance and can sponsor various visa types for qualified international medical graduates, such as J-1 and H-1B visas. This support reflects the program’s commitment to creating a diverse educational environment and accommodating international residents who bring unique perspectives to the training.2
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The UMass Chan Medical School Critical Care Medicine program is known for being highly competitive, welcoming a diverse cohort of residents including DO and international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants are generally required to have graduated within a specific timeline from their medical education, and there may be considerations regarding the number of failed STEP exams during the application review process.1
Unique Aspects of the Program
Unique features of the UMass program include a supportive mentorship culture fostered by faculty who are deeply engaged in the educational process. Residents often commend the balance of autonomy and supervision that allows them to develop their skills effectively. Additionally, the small size of the residency program—approximately eight residents per class—facilitates close-knit relationships and creates a collegial environment which is conducive to learning.
Community and Wellness Focus
The program places a strong emphasis on resident wellness and community engagement, fostering an environment where diversity, transparency, and fairness are prioritized. Such a holistic approach not only enhances resident satisfaction but also contributes to the overall success of the trainees in their medical careers.1
Website
Director
Masilo Grant, MDAttending/Instructor; Associate Professor of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine and Surgery, Assoc. Division Chief - Critical Care Anesthesiology; Program Director of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; Director of Trauma Anesthesiology Appointed Since September 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$84,050First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
5Location
Worcester, MA
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.
Interview Questions
