University of Connecticut Program

The University of Connecticut Anesthesiology Residency Program is designed to cultivate the next generation of anesthesiology leaders, aiming to enhance clinical proficiency while supporting personal growth. The program’s mission focuses on high-quality patient care, comprehensive education, innovation in healthcare, and fostering a diverse and inclusive training environment.

Program Overview

The UConn Anesthesiology Residency Program offers a comprehensive educational experience with a strong emphasis on clinical training across a range of medical settings. Over 60,000 anesthetics are administered annually through four hospitals, three outpatient surgery centers, and private practices, enabling residents to gain exposure to a wide variety of anesthetic techniques and patient complexities. The program accommodates a small resident class size, with on average 13 residents per year, which enhances the individual learning experience through access to diverse clinical cases and personalized teaching from faculty members. Residents are assigned to cases based on educational needs rather than staffing requirements, ensuring optimal learning opportunities.

Curriculum and Rotations

The training consists of a clinical base year, followed by three years of anesthesiology rotations. The clinical base year is structured as follows: one block of anesthesiology, four blocks in inpatient internal medicine, three blocks in surgery, two blocks in intensive care, one block in emergency medicine, two blocks of electives, and three weeks of vacation. In the subsequent anesthesiology training years, residents participate in diverse rotations, including but not limited to thoracic, neuro, pediatric, cardiac, and pain management anesthesiology. The third year is largely elective, allowing residents to tailor their experiences according to their interests.

Didactic Education

The didactic program comprises weekly sessions where residents are relieved from clinical duties to participate in lectures, journal clubs, and case discussions. Additional educational opportunities include simulation training at the Center for Education, Simulation, and Innovation (CESI), which provides critical hands-on experience in managing anesthesia-related emergencies.

Research Opportunities

Residents are encouraged to engage in research, preparing and presenting scholarly work during their second and third years. Many faculty members have ongoing projects, allowing residents to co-author publications and present at national and regional conferences. The program believes that active engagement in research enhances the training and prepares residents for future academic endeavors.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UConn Anesthesiology Residency Program places great value on diversity and inclusion, promoting a supportive environment for all residents. The program's design emphasizes not only academic dedication but also well-being, with no call duties during the first three months for new residents, allowing them time to adapt. The structure allows for balanced lifestyles, enabling residents to pursue personal interests and academic growth without undue stress.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The program is considered competitive, favoring strong USMLE scores, typically with a threshold of 220 for Step 1. For international medical graduates, only J-1 visas are sponsored, and applications are strictly accepted through the ERAS system. An ECFMG certificate is required, and applicants must have graduated from an accredited medical school within the last five years.

Training Sites

Training takes place across several primary sites, including Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, UConn John Dempsey Hospital, and Connecticut Children's Medical Center. These institutions collectively represent a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem capable of handling over 1800 hospital beds and 100 anesthetizing locations. This extensive network allows residents to experience a wide array of clinical settings and patient demographics.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty at the University of Connecticut comprises a diverse group of specialists in various anesthesiology subspecialties, committed to providing both teaching and mentorship. Each resident is paired with a faculty member for mentorship, allowing for personalized guidance and support throughout their training. The program aims to develop not only clinical skills but also leadership qualities in residents.

Visa Support and Other Benefits

International medical graduates are eligible for J-1 visa sponsorship, with no other visa types supported by the program. Benefits for residents also include educational funds, stipend support for conference attendance, mental health resources, and fitness center access at all clinical sites, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle during residency training.

Life After Residency

Graduates of the UConn Anesthesiology Residency are well-prepared for both clinical practice and fellowship opportunities, often gaining positions in prestigious institutions or practices that have participated in their training. The supportive and collaborative environment fosters lasting professional relationships and encourages residents to seek fulfilling careers either in academic or private practice settings.