Introduction to Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine 2.5 Credits/Maximum of 2.5

Catalog description

This 2 week elective is designed as an introduction to anesthesiology and perioperative medicine relevant to all medical specialties, and will be offered throughout Phases II-IV. Students will learn basic concepts of anesthesiology and have the opportunity to participate in patient care with the anesthesia team in the operating room environment and hospital. Daily clinical assignments with the anesthesia team will provide continuous direct supervision by anesthesiology faculty, residents, and nurse anesthetists. During the elective, students will apply foundational knowledge of physiology, pharmacology, and anatomy to patient care and learn the anesthetic implications of each. Students will also learn and apply knowledge of anesthesia concepts to preoperative evaluation, and how surgical indications and patient comorbidities influence anesthetic planning and delivery. Learning experiences will include observation, participation, and interactive discussions with the anesthesia team during clinical patient care. Students will attend the resident lecture series and spend a day in both the Chronic Pain Clinic and the Preoperative Evaluation Clinic. The simulation lab may be used to facilitate learning of proper monitor placement, airway management, and other skills. When appropriate and at the discretion of the faculty anesthesiologist, students will have the opportunity to perform basic monitoring placement and procedures under direct supervision during patient care. Students will be expected to complete required reading assignments and discussion questions based upon the learning objectives. Preparation for daily assignments will include knowledge of pertinent patient information from the electronic medical record and discussion of the anticipated anesthetic plan with the anesthesia team on the day prior to the planned surgical procedure. Clinical assignments will be determined by the course director and a core group of anesthesiology faculty, and will be released in congruency with the operating room schedule on the day prior to surgery. Students will be expected to report in the morning to assist with operating room setup, and will remain with the assigned anesthesia team until completion of the day. Attendance at daily clinical assignments will be mandatory and excusals will be at the discretion of the course director. There will be no weekend or night call requirements.