Medical Student Pathway

Below is an outline of what to consider each year of medical school and anesthesiology residency planning.

Allows for networking, and demonstrating leadership
If your school does not have one - start one!
Contact ASA med student component for guidance

Become involved on the state level and nationally thru ASA Medical Student Component
Consider spending time “career exploring” following an Anesthesiologist in the ORs, OB, Pain Clinic and Preoperative Optimization Clinic to get a feel for anesthesiology
If there is no anesthesia department consider reaching out to local Anesthesia division to find a mentor
Clinical Director or Section Chief can help find a anesthesia preceptor or faculty advisor (even if a private practice group)
Consider applying for FAER grant if interested in research at FAER Medical Student Fellowships

Do something meaningful – could be research, volunteer work
Tip: Quality is more Important than Quantity
Don't add meaningless activity to ‘pad the CV’ - it's not recommended
Does not have to be anesthesia related as long as you are invested in the work
Keep it broad – avoid thinking about your ‘back up plan’
Follow your passion

Perform the best that you can on Basic Science courses
Continue to be involved in ASA and AIG
Consider spending several days observing in Anesthesia Department / OR
Prepare and PASS USMLE Step 1
For DO candidates: consider also taking USMLE exams - required for some programs

Do the best you can on clerkships
Consider evaluations on each clerkship matter and are reviewed
Strong performance on core clerkships matters
Take a 3rd year Anesthesiology rotation early on!
Identify an Anesthesiology mentor/specialty advisor
Express interest in the field to your advisor and school Dean
Identify and request LOR from faculty that know you well
You will need at least one Anesthesiology LOR (letter of recommendation)
Consider additional letters from Core Clerkships: E.g. Surgery, Internal Med, OB/GYN
Avoid LOR from personal / family friends /unclear clinical, professional relationship
If no home anesthesia program – suggestions for letters:

Be proactive on your anesthesia rotation, seek out faculty mentors and guidance
Letters from academic anesthesiologists can be more favorable vs someone who has never written a LOR
Still significant clinical time or relationship can speak regarding interaction
Eg PD, Clerkship Director, Electives, People that know you well
Content about the candidate is more important than prestige of letter writer
Prepare for Step 2 - will be one of the most important factors
Research programs to determine if a good fit
Look for safety, target and reach programs that match one’s academic profile
Attend virtual open houses to get a feel for programs

Take Step 2 preferably in June/July and do the best you can
Take 4th year Anesthesia rotation, Consider away rotation with application thru VSLOs
Talk to your advisors and consider away at program within your academic ‘reach’ target
FREIDA - is an AMA resource that allows students to search for residency programs
Remember the Away rotation is = 4 week job interview/audition!
Don’t stress if you do not get the away elective - not absolutely required.
Most match and succeed without the away!
Use personal statement to explain any gaps, avoid generic personal statements, say something meaningful, grammatically correct and succinct
Write personal statement, prepare CV, remind letter writers of deadlines
Finish complete application by Aug!
Sep: ERAS opens, Residency Application goes out
Signal guidance
Oct-Jan: Interviews for Residency
Feb: Finalize match list
March: Congratulations you matched into an Anesthesiology residency
FREIDA, Charting the match, Talk to dean previous years