Applying for Anesthesiology Residency

FAQ’s: A Primer for Anesthesiology Resident Applicants

*** Disclaimer:  The responses below are opinions of the authors and the UM program, and should not be construed as absolutes. Consult your colleagues, medical school Dean, and advisor(s) for additional input and strategies.

 When should I start my application process?

Early!  You will want to start initial planning in May and June (the very end of the M3 year, start of your M4 year).  Initial plans =

ERAS overview

Acquisition of AAMC number

First draft of your personal statement

Identifying and contacting people who will write letters of reference

Confirming your schedule for autumn, including interview times, USMLE 2 timeline, and key clinical or research rotations.

 Who should I ask for letters of reference?

You need at least three letters of reference, and all should be from people who know you well.  Ask your advisor or other key mentors.  At least two should be from anesthesiologists, and perhaps a surgeon you worked with extensively (the attributes of a good surgery resident tend to be quite similar to those which make for a good anesthesiology resident).  In addition, of course, you will get your “Dean’s Letter” from the medical school. 

 Any special letter of reference required or recommended?

Letters of reference are at the discretion of the applicant.  In general, strong letters from experts both within anesthesiology, as well as those outside of anesthesiology are desirable.

Note:  In general, if you want a letter from Dr. Prielipp – I am happy to do that.  Obviously, the better I know you, the more detailed and personal the letter. At a minimum, I need your C-V, your personal statement, a brief interview, and your AAMC number plus waiver letter.

 What about ‘couples match’?

This is increasingly common.  It does require some additional time, thought, and organization on your part.  Both people will need an honest appraisal of their academic record as well as the current competition within their chosen specialty.  Speak to me and other faculty in the department about a “best strategy” for you and your S.O. 

One option: It is sometimes viable for couples to seek out cities such as Chicago, where multiple medical schools and training programs exist within easy driving distance of one another.  For example, one trainee could be enrolled at Northwestern, and the other at Rush University.  This is an option.

 Should I do a research rotation in the department?

Do research because you are curious, because you want to learn more about the scientific method, or you are excited about a particular question or investigational project at the Medical School.  In general, it is not necessary to do research as an obligatory (‘merit’) component of an application packet.

 Do I need to do more than one anesthesia rotation during my 3^rd/4^th year?

Not necessarily.  Your senior year schedule must synchronize multiple priorities, but an “advanced” anesthesia experience should be considered optional.  Remember you will have 36 months of continuous training/education to become an anesthesiologist…. your experience during your senior year of medical school will pale in comparison.  Instead, I recommend you use elective time to gain additional insights and experience in key physiological systems (e.g., pulmonary, cardiology, nephrology, EKG interpretation, etc).

 To how many programs should I apply?

Again, this will vary on your geographic restrictions (if any), as well as your time, energy, and financial resources.  In general, five is a viable minimum, and the range of 5 – 10 programs is quite common.  If you are looking in geographically distinct areas – say the Midwest and the pacific west coast -- then you might easily be looking at 11 - 20 programs, or more. 

If you visit ten or more programs, prepare to take extensive notes with detailed comparisons. Both time and distance will blur the details from the initial interview until your very last one.  Plan a system to organize your thoughts and reflections soon after each visit to a new program.

 How much should I budget for this process?

Well, it varies of course on number and distance of programs, cost of gas by this fall (ouch!), airline ticket prices, etc.  A ballpark average is around $5,000, though some get by with considerably less, and others spend quite a bit more!  Don’t forget ERAS fees as well of course, as noted below:

 What are the ERAS Fees?

ERAS processing fees are based on the number of programs applied to per specialty. MyERAS automatically calculates your fees and you may pay online. ERAS fees are the same for all residency and osteopathic applicants. The ERAS processing fees are as follows:

 Should I take USMLE Step 2 before I interview?

Yes, and no.  Programs will definitely incorporate Step 2 scores if available.  If you sense your current Step 1 score under represents your potential, you should plan an early effort at Step 2 so this new assessment is a part of your application packet. However, we have all seen the Step 2 score help – as well as occasionally hamper – a good application. As a benchmark, I would estimate that somewhere between 1/3 to ½ of applicants provide Step 2 scores before Match lists are finalized.

 What is the mechanism for applications via the NRMP Match?

Only through the ERAS (electronic residency application service) system.

 What is the information required though ERAS?

USMLE score(s)

3 letters of recommendation

Curriculum Vitae

ERAS Common application information

Grade Transcripts

Deans Letter from the medical school

Personal Statement

Photo

 Is there a specific USMLE “cut-off” score?

All applications are reviewed in their entirety for candidate’s strengths and special attributes.  We generally avoid arbitrary, rigid numeric filters such as a “cut-off” score.

The national average for USMLE Step 1 for applicants to anesthesia programs nationwide is 216.

 Do you take into consideration the year of graduation, and if so in what way?

Timetables outside of the usual four-year academic routine can be an asset, or a concern.  The experience and time utilization during and after medical school will be reviewed. Don’t leave any “blanks” in the timeline…. People tend to assign an unfavorable interpretation to unexplained voids.

 What if I don’t match?

First, don’t panic!  This is quite unlikely, and even if it should occur, it is not the end of the world.  We, like almost all academic programs, maintain one or two slots outside the match, to link with candidates with ‘special circumstances.’  This might be someone who starts out in surgery, and later decides to transfer into anesthesiology.  It might be someone transferring between programs – usually associated with a job transfer of a spouse, etc.  And of course, if you don’t match, there is this ‘window of opportunity’ to explore. 

 Do you accept IMGs to your residency program? 

Yes

 Do IMG applicants require any previous US clinical experience?

We have found this is very helpful and desirable to the successful applicant.

 What percentage of your residents is IMG?

5%

 Do you sponsor J1 Visa?

Yes.

 Do you sponsor H1-B Visa?

In general, no, but see additional information below made available to you for general reference in determining if it would be appropriate to sponsor a potential resident/fellow candidate for an H-1B visa. 

In order to be considered for sponsorship, the candidate must meet one of the following criteria and submit the “H-1B Visa Request Form” to GME office.

Applicant currently holds a valid H-1B visa at this university or another institution (show copy of Form I-797, Notice of Action)

Applicant is the spouse/registered domestic partner of a U.S. citizen, permanent resident (“green card” holder), or individual holding an  H-1 or O-1 visa (show marriage certificate or H-4 document)

Applicant/applicant’s spouse has a permanent resident petition pending with a likely chance of success (show proof of petition)

Applicant is not eligible for or would face a hardship on a J-1 visa due to unique immigration circumstances (e.g., applicant already obtained a J-1 waiver; applicant who has to return home periodically  to care for ill parent faces higher risk of being denied re-entry on J-1 visa ) (provide letter explaining reason for hardship)

Applicant’s spouse/registered domestic partner is employed by the University in a faculty or other continuing position (provide letter identifying spouse’s position)

The department has offered or is strongly considering the applicant for a faculty or research position after applicant completes the training program (provide letter identifying intentions of department after applicant finishes training program).

 What is the maximum post graduation year acceptable to your program? 

Again, no specific timeline excludes eligibility, but individual circumstances are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.