The curriculum is designed to provide evidence-based education in anesthesiology with the goal of creating a physician who is a self-directed lifelong learner. The resident will strive continually for improvement through self-analysis and data. The resident will become skilled in the management and diagnosis of critically-ill patients, including those experiencing cardiac arrest, and in the diagnosis and management of acute, chronic, and cancer-related pain. These skills are achieved through a thorough understanding of physiology and pharmacology, and the ability to conduct, interpret, and apply the results of medical research.
The first year of the residency focuses on the Fundamental Clinical Skills of Medicine. The resident will spend three months on Internal Medicine and three months on Surgery. During these months, the resident will become proficient in obtaining a comprehensive medical history and in performing a complete physical examination. The resident will be able to assess the patient’s medical condition, to make appropriate use of diagnostic studies and tests, to integrate information to develop a differential diagnosis, and to implement a treatment plan. During the first year, the resident will complete two one-month long rotations in Critical Care Medicine and one one-month rotation in Emergency Medicine. The year will include a rotation in point of care ultrasound, a rotation in Anesthesiology, and time for vacation to ensure resident wellness.
The second year of the residency focuses on basic anesthesia training that emphasizes the fundamental aspects of the management of anesthesia. During this year, the resident will complete one rotation in Critical Care Medicine with faculty who are board-certified through the American Board of Anesthesiology and one rotation in regional anesthesiology. Since education at ChristianaCare will be competency-based, residents will be able to advance to subspecialty rotations and more challenging cases as their skills permit. The resident will take the Basic Exam by the American Board of Anesthesiology at the end of the PGY-II year.
The third year of the residency focuses on the subspecialties with rotations in Neuroanesthesiology, Obstetric Anesthesiology, Cardiac Anesthesiology, Thoracic Anesthesiology, and PACU. The resident will also complete one month of Critical Care Medicine. Pediatric Anesthesiology will be at Nemours Children’s Hospital, only a few minutes from ChristianaCare. By the end of the PGY-III year, the resident will have completed the required rotations for board certification.
The fourth year of the residency focuses on the development of leadership. The resident will be able to repeat desired rotations, functioning as an upper-level resident. Residents will have the opportunity for the most challenging cases. PGY-IV residents may be involved in the education of junior residents. During this year, the resident will complete rotations in POCUS (point of care ultrasound) and leadership.
Success in Residency
Residents will receive mentorship and guidance continually throughout residency. In addition to the program director and the assistant program director, residents are assigned advisors to help them in the formulation of career goals as well as life in general.