Prospective Residents

Welcome to the University of Minnesota Department of Anesthesiology - we appreciate your interest! Our program provides an outstanding foundation to prepare you for a fulfilling career in general and subspeciality anesthesiology. You’ll find that the University of Minnesota anesthesiology residency is the 'right size' – large enough to provide diversity and experience, but small enough to ensure collegiality and a 'personal touch.'

As a beginning resident, you will be paired a senior resident for your first 6 weeks. This one-on-on mentorship combined with instruction from experienced faculty provides an ideal environment to gain confidence in your emerging skills in the basics of anesthesia. During this period, we also insulate you from the rigors of call duties, allowing the perfect opportunity for you to focus on solidifying the academic foundations vital to the remainder of your training. By the end of your CA-1 year, residents refine their skills with introductory rotations in neuro and obstetric anesthesia as well as critical care. Your second year will expand your knowledge and experience with rotations in pediatrics, cardiovascular and advanced obstetric anesthesia along with pain medicine. Recognizing the emerging role of transesophageal echocardiography in anesthesia, we have a TEE elective spent with echo-certified anesthesiology and cardiology faculty teaching the finer points of performing and reading echocardiography.

The University of Minnesota Medical Center is a 800-plus-bed academic health center that consistently ranks in the top 100 nationally. From pioneering surgical procedures to the care of complex medical patients, you will be exposed to anesthetically and intellectually challenging cases. A nationally recognized simulation center helps residents gain experience in complex, rare and life threatening scenarios that most people never see in training. In addition to the experience at the University, we offer pediatric anesthesia rotations at Minneapolis Children's Hospital, a nationally recognized children's hospital, and Trauma rotations at Regions hospital in St. Paul, a Level 1 trauma center.

On an international level, the University has a partnership with St. John's Medical College in Bangalore, one of the most prestigious medical schools in India. As an institution dedicated to teaching and patient care, it offers the opportunity for an accredited rotation abroad, giving a unique perspective and experience in international medicine and anesthesia.

Of course, life is more than just residency. In addition to having an outstanding medical community, the Twin Cities also boasts a vibrant entertainment and cultural life as well. With several professional and division I sports teams, there’s always something to cheer for. If you’re in a more reflective mood, you can stop in one of our many art museums or take in a play, and whether you’re into alternative rock or classic symphonies, you’ll find world-class music to suit your tastes. If you prefer something closer to nature, Minneapolis has more park space than any other city it’s size in the country and within a few hours drive are many state parks that let you really 'get away from it all.' 

We think you’ll agree that the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities have a lot to offer and will do an exceptional job preparing you for your career in Anesthesiology. Good luck in the application process – we look forward to seeing you soon!

Patrick Testerman, MD
Chief Resident, 2008-2009