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UW Dept of Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology Residency
Bob Pearce

Resident Research

Residency is first and foremost a time for developing clinical expertise, but the many basic and clinical research programs in the Department add an important dimension to education and provide opportunities for those interested in exploring research or developing an academic career. All UW Department of Anesthesiology residents are strongly encouraged to participate annually in the Midwest Anesthesia Residents Conference (MARC). Faculty mentors work closely with residents to develop clinical studies and case presentations for the MARC, and multiple awards have been presented to UW residents over the past several years. In addition, the annual pilgrimage to the MARC meeting is a much-anticipated social event that highlights the camaraderie among our residents.

The Department offers up to six months of research experience as an elective during the CA-3 year. This time would ideally be combined with a subsequent year of fellowship training and is aimed at preparing residents for a career in academic medicine. Residents may choose to work in a basic research laboratory or on a range of translational and clinical research projects. Active basic research programs within the Department include investigations into anesthetic mechanisms (Dr. Robert Pearce), neuroscience (Dr. Matthew Banks) and pain (Dr. Thomas McDowell). Translational research is being carried out in perioperative pharmacogenetics (Dr. Kirk Hogan), and clinical projects are ongoing in cardiac anesthesia (Dr. Richard Wolman), neuroanesthesia (Dr. Deborah Rusy), acute pain management (Dr. Lester Proctor) and critical care (Dr. Douglas Coursin). Involvement in research projects outside the Department of Anesthesiology can be arranged as well.

The structure of the CA-3 research experience can be tailored to fit the interests and needs of individual residents. Courses such as biostatistics and research design are offered as part of a comprehensive Clinical Investigator Preparatory Program (headed by Dr. Frank Graziano and supported by the NIH). Opportunities exist for frequent scientific interactions in the form of journal clubs and seminar series available through affiliated Ph.D. training programs such as the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology and Neuroscience. Interested residents are encouraged to identify a faculty mentor early in their training and to work closely with them to develop a training and research plan.