Applying to the Anesthesiology Residency Program

The Anesthesiology residency training program at the University of Minnesota Medical School offers a unique fusion that enables Residents to develop quickly and professionally flourish within the multiple environments of the University of Minnesota Medical Center and our six affiliated sites.  Experience medical centers where the usual is extraordinary, help a major metropolis grow with more than 2,500 deliveries per year, be part of a team providing compassionate care to reassure young children, and stand at the forefront of acute and chronic pain management.  The University of Minnesota Medical School’s Anesthesiology residency training program draws it strength from the scope of hands-on experience offered, the faculty’s depth of knowledge, and our endeavor for improvement.

First year resident applicants (Categorical & Advanced):
 

Candidates seeking Categorical & Advanced slots are required to apply through ERAS, the Electronic Residency Application Service. Applicants should strive to complete the majority of their ERAS application in time for the initial September 1st download date; completed applications must be received no later than December 1 for positions beginning July 1 of the following year and require the following:

1. Completed ERAS Common application information
2. USMLE score(s) (all applicants must submit a USMLE Step 1 score)
3. Dean's Letter from medical school (to be added later once available)
4. Three (3) current letters of recommendation
5. Personal statement
6. Curriculum Vitae
7. Medical School and pre-medical transcripts (originals or certified copies)
8. ECFMG certificate if graduated from a foreign school
9. Any other appropriate credentials: e.g., clinical-base documentation if entering at CA-1 level
10. Photo

Future PGY-2/CA-1 level resident applicants:

Currently the department has filled all available positions through June 30, 2011; no advanced slots exist until July 1, 2011.

Applicants who are considering transferring from another anesthesiology program or medical specialty are required to submit the above material in addition to the following:

1. Minimum of one (1) letter of recommendation from a practicing anesthesiologist.
2. USMLE/COMLEX Step 3 score or proof of registration for the exam 
3. All previous program completion certificates & clinical-base history documentation

Interviews for open slots are often scheduled during the department's regular fall interviews and held simultaneously. Interested applicants should direct inquires to the Program Coordinator:

Gordon Willard GME Program Coordinator Department of Anesthesiology University of Minnesota Medical School 420 Delaware St. SE/MMC 294 B515 Minneapolis, MN 55455 Fax: 612.626.2363 willa008@umn.edu

Additional information for Prospective Residents can be found here.

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.

What is the mechanism for applications via the NRMP Match?

Only applications through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) system are considered.

Application Basics

Is a USMLE Step 1 score required for application?

Yes! A USMLE Step 1 score is required for all candidates regardless of medical background.

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 USMLE Step 1 average for US Seniors among 2009 applicants to anesthesia programs nationwide was 224.

What percentage of your residents are IMG?

5%

Do IMG applicants require any previous US clinical experience?

Although not required, we have found this is very helpful and desirable to the successful applicant.

Do you sponsor J1 Visa?

Yes.

Do you sponsor H1-B Visa?

No, generally; but please see the information regarding H1-B visas at the end of this FAQ.

Are there any special requirements for foreign medical graduates?

Foreign medical graduates must be ECFMG certified to apply.  USMLE examination scores; appropriate Visa status; and fluency in English are also necessary.

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.  We will consider your experience and time utilization during and after medical school carefully.  Generally speaking, do not leave any “blanks” in the timeline as people tend to assign an unfavorable interpretation to unexplained voids.

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.

How many current residents are there in your program?

The ACGME has certified our program for 21 residents in training.

How do CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) affect a training program?

CRNAs are skilled anesthesia providers and key contributors to many training programs, including ours at the University of Minnesota.  This delivery model is often termed the anesthesia care team (ACT) and is the routine mode in many areas of the country — especially the southeast.  CRNA participation in anesthesiology training programs is highly beneficial as you should always capitalize on the vast clinical experience of the individuals you interact with.  Moreover, they are the key providers who facilitate your opportunity to attend conferences, lectures, journal clubs, and the like on a predictable basis.  Finally, as you will quite likely work with CRNAs during your future career, the more you understand the ACT system, the better.

General Early Advice for those thinking to apply

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 should include at least the following:

• 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?

Three letters of reference are required; however who the applicant chooses is left up to their individual discretion.  In general, strong letters from experts both within anesthesiology, as well as those outside of anesthesiology are desirable.

How should I write a good personal statement?

There are many strategies, and no one right answer.  It must be sincere, honest, and help the program understand your unique attributes. By all means make the reader feel good about you and your message ­ be positive! 

• Consider the components which convey the following message(s):

I chose this field because…
I’ll be good at this specialty because…

• Substantiate your claims with concrete examples or details:

“I am a good team player because of my work with…”

• Show that your values and interests match those of practicing anesthesiologists.

Another point to consider is to:

• Provide something interesting for the interviewer during your on-site interview:

My experience at the Beijing Olympics taught me…

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, estimate that somewhere between 1/3 to 1/2 of applicants provide Step 2 scores before Match lists are finalized.

Do I need to do more than one anesthesia rotation during my 3rd/4th 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, it is recommend that you use elective time to gain additional insights and experience in key physiological systems (e.g., pulmonary, cardiology, nephrology, EKG interpretation, etc).

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.

What about "couples matches?"

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 the faculty in your department about a “best strategy” for you and your S.O. 

One option to keep in mind is to seek out larger cities where multiple medical schools and training programs exist within easy driving distance of one another.  This is an option that will allow you a bit more flexibility in making your decision.

Time and Money

To how many programs should I apply?

Again, this will vary on your geographic restrictions, 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 up to 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, 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:

For current University of Minnesota Medical School Candidates:

Letters of Recommendation for Dr. Prielipp

If you are a current student at the University of Minnesota and wish to have a recommendation from Dr. Prielipp he is happy to accommodate you providing: you prepare and supply him with, at a minimum, your C-V, your personal statement, and your AAMC number plus waiver letter. After the office receives these documents we will work to schedule you a brief interview with Dr. Prielipp. Please also remember that the better he knows you, the more detailed and personal the letter will be.

A closing reassurance

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. 

More information regarding H1-B Visas

Please remember that the department as a general rule does not sponsor H1-B visas, however the following additional information below is made available to you for general reference in determining if it would be appropriate for the department to make an exception for that extra-special candidate. 

In order to be even considered for special sponsorship, the candidate must meet one of the following criteria before contacting the GME office with a H-1B Visa Request Form:

• 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).

Additional program information for prospective Residents can be found here.