University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Program

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center offers a comprehensive Anesthesiology Residency program accredited by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program is structured to provide a well-rounded training experience, encompassing a clinical base year (PGY-1) followed by three years of Clinical Anesthesia training (PGY-2 to PGY-4). There is also an opportunity for fellows in the CA-4 year (PGY-5) to engage in specialized training through fellowships in Pain Medicine and Pediatric Anesthesia.

This residency provides a thorough understanding of anesthesiology, focusing on the medical care of surgical, obstetric, and critically ill patients. During training, residents will be involved in various aspects of patient care including preoperative assessment, perioperative pain management, Non-Operative Room Anesthesia, and intensive care medicine. The ambitious curriculum is designed to develop not only skilled clinicians but also scholars who can adapt to the evolving landscape of medical science in anesthesiology.1

Program Structure

The program offers 12 categorical positions annually and prioritizes intense clinical training in the first year. The PGY-1 year primarily emphasizes critical care and procedural practices, carried out at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Following the foundational training, residents will receive clinical anesthesia education at various facilities on the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center campus, including the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, Children's Hospital, VA Medical Center, and the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center.2

Educational Environment

The residency program takes pride in fostering a rigorous educational environment. Residents benefit from a structured curriculum that adheres to the standards set by the American Board of Anesthesiology. The program's objective is high yet attainable, focusing on developing intellectual acuity and ethical professionalism among trainees. This ensures that residents are well-prepared not just for their immediate responsibilities, but for lifelong learning and improvement in their medical practice.2

Facilities and Training Sites

Residency training occurs in several state-of-the-art facilities, allowing for a broad and rich clinical experience. The main training sites include:

• University of Oklahoma Medical Center
• Oklahoma Children's Hospital
• Oklahoma City Veteran’s Administration Hospital
• OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center
• OU Medical Center Surgery Center

These locations are essential for providing diverse clinical exposures that are crucial for mastering anesthesiology practices.1

Cultural and Community Aspects

Oklahoma City, where the residency is located, is a vibrant and culturally diverse metropolitan hub, providing numerous activities and lifestyle choices for residents and their families. From cultural experiences to outdoor activities and culinary adventures, the city accommodates a variety of lifestyles with conveniences such as affordable housing and well-rated schools, making it an attractive location for both singles and families alike.2

Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates and typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas. Applicants are encouraged to check the specific visa requirements during the application process. It is important to note that the program is competitive, selecting candidates who exhibit strong intellectual potential, moral integrity, and a commitment to the demanding nature of the education provided.

Common application requirements include a maximum of one failed USMLE Step exam attempt and a focus on recent graduation years to ensure candidates' preparedness for residency challenges.1