The didactic curriculum consists of a series of lectures:
The basics of anesthesia care are outlined during these lectures during your first eight weeks of training. Coupled with this, the new CA-I residents are single-posted in the operating room each day with select attending anesthesiologists who reinforce the information given during these lectures in the patient care setting. The CA-I residents also spend 24 - 32 hours in the clinical simulation center during this time to improve their technical skills and vigilance in the operating room.
This series of lectures is designed to cover pharmacology, physiology, and pathophysiology of the various organ systems. They are spread over a two-year period such that all residents participate in all topics. Also included in this series are small-group workshops that include skill stations including anesthesia machine check and troubleshooting, difficult airway management, techniques for single-lung ventilation, pediatric and adult resuscitation, etc.
This conference is designed to assist residents in oral presentations while discussing advanced topics. The format of the clinical problem-based learning discussions follows that utilized at the ASA Annual Meeting PBLDs. In addition, guest speakers give career seminars on the following topics: medico-legal aspects of anesthesiology, career planning, contracts, retirement plans and benefit packages, etc. Finally, the CA III residency class participates in a system-based learning project utilizing a committee/task force model. Examples of past projects include the conception and design of a regional anesthesia rotation and curriculum, the creation of a resident orientation manual, etc. This project is intended to give senior residents experience interacting in a task force problem-solving committee format.
This conference has two components; first, an interesting case is presented. This is followed by a discussion about the clinical management. Pertinent literature is also discussed. Residents are expected to participate in the presentation and discussion phases of this conference. The conference is considered peer-reviewed and closed to non-physicians.
Journal club is held every other month. Three residents and a faculty mentor present one or two recent articles. Both the presenters and the attendees critique the article for its scientific merit and pertinence. The articles are distributed at least one week in advance to allow for adequate preparation. Attendance is voluntary, but highly recommended as the skills assimilated by attending journal club are critical to the practice of evidence-based medicine.
This conference focused on the broader scope of medical care that is provided by the anesthesiologist. It covers current topics within and outside of anesthesiology. Members of the department or visiting faculty present this conference.
This conference is held once a month in place of Grand Rounds. Cases in which there was significant morbidity, mortality, or the potential for morbidity and/or mortality are presented by the Chief residents or other members of the CA III residency class. The residents presenting the cases each month are never those personally involved in the care of the patient being discussed. Following presentation of the case, discussion is moderated by faculty with residents and faculty in attendance acting as discussants. Discussion concentrates on the clinical case management as well as addressing the system issues that may have contributed to the adverse event rather than the assignment of blame. This conference is considered peer-reviewed and closed to clinicians outside the department. In addition, strict confidentiality is maintained and cases are not discussed outside the conference setting.
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Week # 1 |
Week # 2 |
Week # 3 |
Week # 4 |
Monday |
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Tuesday |
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Wednesday 0600-0640 (40 minutes) |
CA I-II Lecture & CA- III Seminars |
CA I-II Lecture & CA- III Seminars |
CA I-II Lecture & CA- III Seminars |
Combined Sessions (0630-0745) |
Wednesday 0645-0745 (60 minutes) |
Morbidity & Mortality Conf
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Grand Rounds
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Grand Rounds
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Thursday |
Ethics Rounds (1700-1800) |
Clinical Case/Journal Club (1700-1800) |
Clinical Case/Journal Club (1700-1800) |
Clinical Case/Journal Club (1700-1800) |
Friday |
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*This is a hypothetical 4-week schedule. In actuality, the rotation of these conferences on a given day will vary.