UPMC Medical Education/Lititz Program

The Anesthesiology Residency Program at UPMC Lititz provides a comprehensive training experience designed for new medical professionals aspiring to excel in the field of anesthesiology. This program is established within a community hospital setting, fostering a supportive environment for resident wellness and professional growth. The program emphasizes a culture that encourages resident leadership, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the quality of medical education in anesthesiology.

The anesthesia team at UPMC Lititz consists of a diverse group of skilled professionals, including physicians, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and anesthesia technologists. Residents benefit from a well-rounded experience, which includes rotations at large tertiary care hospitals to gain exposure to various subspecialties in the field of anesthesiology. The program not only prepares residents for board certification but also equips them to serve as qualified physician leaders in various community settings.[1]

Curriculum Overview

The residency program is structured as a categorical four-year curriculum, emphasizing both foundational clinical skills and specialized anesthesiology training. Over the first two years, there is a focus on developing fundamental medical skills through various required rotations, including:

• Two months in Internal Medicine
• One month in Neurology
• One month in Obstetrics/Gynecology
• One month in inpatient Pediatrics/NICU
• Two months in General Surgery
• One month in Orthopedic Surgery
• Two months in Critical Care
• One month in Emergency Medicine
• One month in inpatient Cardiology
• One month in General Anesthesia

In the subsequent years, residents engage in specialized clinical anesthesia training, covering areas such as critical care medicine, obstetric anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, neuroanesthesia, and trauma anesthesia, among others. Residents undergo this training at UPMC Lititz and its affiliated sites, which provide a diverse range of clinical experiences.[2]

Eligibility Requirements

The UPMC Lititz Anesthesiology Residency Program has specific eligibility criteria for applicants. Candidates must be graduates of either an osteopathic medical school accredited by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) within the past two years or a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Additionally, international medical graduates must satisfy the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) requirements. To be considered, applicants must also complete a minimum of 160 hours in osteopathic training prior to the ranking deadline.

In order to apply, all candidates must submit through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required application documents include a personal statement, three letters of recommendation (preferably two from anesthesiologists), a medical school transcript, Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), proof of passing scores on the COMLEX or USMLE on the first attempt, and a Curriculum Vitae. Importantly, UPMC Lititz does not sponsor visas for residency positions.[3]

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty within the Anesthesiology Residency Program at UPMC Lititz are dedicated professionals focused on providing high-quality education and mentorship to residents. The faculty employs innovative teaching methods and actively participates in resident training through direct supervision and feedback during clinical rotations. This commitment is essential to ensuring residents develop the necessary skills to succeed as anesthesiologists. Faculty members create a community learning environment that fosters collaboration among residents.[4]

Training Locations

Training occurs primarily at UPMC Lititz, with residents also rotating through affiliated institutions, including Penn State Hershey Medical Center (PSHMC) and UPMC Harrisburg. This model allows residents to gain experience in varied healthcare settings, from small community hospitals to larger academic centers. Such a diverse training environment is crucial for developing proficiency in managing a broad array of clinical situations encountered in the field of anesthesiology.[5]

Current Residents

The Anesthesiology Residency Program at UPMC Lititz hosts residents from various educational backgrounds, reflecting the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The current resident class consists of individuals from differing medical schools, enhancing the learning experience through shared insights and collaborative learning. Graduates from UPMC Lititz frequently remain in Pennsylvania or return to their hometowns to address local anesthesiology needs, demonstrating the program's focus on community-centered healthcare.[6]