Didactics

The success of a residency program comes from the integration of enthusiastic, knowledgeable faculty, motivated residents, a quality didactic program, a challenging surgical case load, and directed investigative opportunities. The UW anesthesiology residency excels by each of these measures. Residents consistently score above the 90th percentile on the In-Training examination and, more importantly, for the past ten years every graduate has gone on to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

The educational program is multifaceted. The Anesthesia Core Curriculum consists of three components designed specifically to address the needs of residents at different levels of training. CA-1 residents participate in the Introduction to Anesthesiology Curriculum with a three-month didactic series addressing pharmacologic principles of anesthetic care, preoperative assessment, intraoperative monitoring and management, fundamental anesthetic techniques and postoperative care. During this same three month period CA-2 residents attend a didactic series addressing cardiac and respiratory physiology, regional anesthesia anatomy, and an in-depth understanding of the anesthesia machine. Finally, CA-3 residents are introduced to practice management, transesophageal echocardiography, and physics. Overall, this unique three-part Core Curriculum provides a continuum of educational opportunities as the resident progresses through the program.

The level specific lectures continue through the remainder of the year. The CA-1 lectures will focus on general topics as well as cardiac, neuro, and obstetrical anesthesia lectures. CA-2 residents receive an in-depth month focused on clinical and basic science research with an emphasis on literature analysis. The remainder of the CA-2 didactic series consists of lectures dealing with advanced airway management, ambulatory and office-based anesthesia, regional anesthesia, chronic pain management, pediatric anesthesia and the ASA's closed claims project. The CA-3 residents receive advanced
lectures in cardiac and neuro anesthesia as well as neonatal surgical emergencies, critical care medicine, and government issues. The CA-3 lecture series concludes with a two month series dedicated to board examination preparation.

The weekly Case Conference provides anesthesiology staff and residents with a venue to discuss interesting and complex cases. Complementing the didactic lectures, the Case Conference emphasizes patient management options, clinical judgment, and areas of controversy in the context of real cases. The conference proves to be a lively exchange of ideas and a vital component of preparation for the anesthesiology oral boards.

The Department is proud to host the Ralph M. Waters, M.D. Visiting Professor program with nationally recognized experts bringing new ideas and insights on a monthly basis. An active journal club and research seminars round out the didactic program.