Resident Evaluation

A fair and constructive process of evaluating knowledge and clinical performance is key to any residency program. The UW Department of Anesthesiology has developed a system that encourages feedback and resident growth in an environment of camaraderie and respect.

Resident knowledge is evaluated in a number of ways. The Anesthesia Knowledge Test, administered at the start of the CA-1 year and after one, six and eighteen months of training, allows both the faculty and individual residents to assess baseline knowledge and to track progress through their training. In addition, all residents are required to take the American Board of Anesthesiology In-Training Examination each July.

Throughout the residency the application of knowledge in the clinical arena, along with other key elements including communication, judgement, organization, vigilance, professional and technical skills are evaluated on a daily basis using an online system with an emphasis on direct and timely feedback. Formal evaluations are completed at the end of each rotation and every six months. Evaluations are reviewed by the Clinical Competence Committee, and residents meet semiannually with the Department Chair and Residency Director to discuss individual progress.

In a continual effort to improve the program residents have the opportunity to anonymously evaluate the faculty on an annual basis. Resident meetings, both with and without faculty in attendance, are frequent and provide direct input into the structure and function of the residency. Finally, a Residency Review Committee, consisting of the Department Chair, Residency Director, Chief Resident, and a representative from each resident year meets regularly to ensure both continual program improvement and to provide residents with another avenue of input.