University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Program

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine offers a newly established Anesthesiology residency program located at Tampa General Hospital, which is recognized as a Level I trauma center. This program is notable for its commitment to providing comprehensive medical education and training in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine, and it is poised to welcome its inaugural class of residents in July 2024.

Accredited by the ACGME, the residency program’s goal is to train skilled anesthesiologists who are not only accomplished clinicians but also excel in research and academics. The program ensures a balance between clinical experience, didactics, and professional development, preparing residents for board certification and leadership roles within the specialty of anesthesiology. The department places significant emphasis on resident well-being, fostering a supportive and family-like atmosphere among residents and faculty members 1.

Curriculum Overview

The USF Health Anesthesiology residency program is structured as a four-year program that includes comprehensive clinical training. The curriculum consists of:

• A foundational year in general medicine and surgery, where interns gain a broad exposure to different aspects of healthcare.
• A foundational year focused on anesthesiology where residents learn to function in the operating room under close supervision while rotating through various peri-operative environments.
• An advanced year dedicated to anesthesiology subspecialties that hones the residents’ skills for complex cases and begins leadership development.
• Opportunities for elective rotations, enhancing the clinical experience as residents transition to independent practice.

This structured approach aims to develop residents into well-rounded clinicians ready for the challenges of the field 1.

Clinical Rotations

Residents in the program will undergo clinical rotations at Tampa General Hospital, which serves as Florida’s regional cardiac, burn, and transplant center, catering to a diverse patient population. The hospital's robust training platform accommodates over 200 surgeries daily and more than 8,000 deliveries annually, offering residents diverse clinical experiences 1.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a significant role in the residency. Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects with faculty guidance, with the department receiving over $480 million in research funding in the last academic year. Residents will have the opportunity to publish their findings and present at national conferences. Additionally, each resident is expected to undertake a quality improvement project and contribute to evidence-based grand rounds under faculty mentorship 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes a balanced educational experience, integrating social activities and gatherings into the training schedule for a family-oriented atmosphere. The curriculum is designed to not only enhance clinical skills but to also promote personal well-being among residents. Didactic sessions are conducted multiple times a week, covering various topics such as board reviews, journal clubs, and simulation experiences, ensuring that residents are well-prepared for examinations and practice 1.

Application Requirements

The Anesthesiology residency program at USF Health has specific application requirements. Candidates must:

• Be graduating from medical school in 2025.
• Submit a complete application through ERAS, which includes a personal statement, CV, Dean's letter, and two letters of recommendation (at least one from an anesthesiologist).
• Participate in virtual interviews that take place from October through January.

It is also important to note that the program does not consider applications from current interns, transfer requests from other residency programs, or medical school graduates from previous years 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support and can sponsor candidates for J-1 or H-1B visas, making it accessible to international medical graduates. This commitment to supporting diverse applicants enhances the program’s competitiveness and inclusivity within the field of anesthesiology 1.

Competitiveness

The Anesthesiology residency program is considered highly competitive, focusing on recruiting candidates who display academic excellence and a commitment to the medical field. The program welcomes both DO and IMG applicants, aiming to foster a diverse cohort of residents who reflect a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.