Residency Program

The Anesthesiology Residency Program at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School is designed to provide a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical experience to meet the challenges of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine in this new century. Our faculty, under the leadership of Ellise Delphin, M.D., Professor and Chair, Jeffrey Freda, MD, MBA, Vice Chair of Operations and Quality Management, and Melissa Davidson, M.D., Program Director, is dedicated to providing superior resident training for preparing future leaders in the practice of anesthesiology.

Following the post-graduate year, the Department of Anesthesiology Residency Program consists of a three year training:

• CA-1: The first year of clinical anesthesia training targets technical skills necessary for clinical practice. Residents begin with a two-month orientation program which includes a period of close faculty supervision. This provides new residents a safe and comfortable environment in order to learn during this important introductory phase to clinical anesthesiology training. CA-1 residents take junior call during the latter part of the orientation program and become familiar with the on-call routine. The trainees will gain proficiency in the area of basic anesthesia training in the operating room and ambulatory suites, critical care medicine and emergency airway management and resuscitation. The CA-1 residents are gradually given greater responsibility in case management and are the primary physician in the ICU. Their responsibilities include pre-operative evaluation, intraoperative management, and post-operative management and follow-up.
• CA-2: Comprehensive clinical training continues during the CA-2 year. Emphasis is placed on subspecialty training as well as more independent roles in the management of routine cases. CA-2 residents are introduced to more complex cases and increasing responsibility. One-month rotations in the CA-2 year include cardiac, neuroanesthesia, obstetrics, and pediatrics. CA-2 residents are first responders to emergency call and answer consultation in cooperation with the attending staff. Second year residents will become proficient in fiber optic intubations and invasive monitoring in the operating room by the end of the year.
• CA-3: Residents are expected to demonstrate independence in the OR, confidence managing the most complex cases, academic skills important for a professional career, and clinical acumen in their CA-3 year. The final year of training is structured to meet the needs and interests of each resident. Residents are given the opportunity to pursue their individual areas of interest within the field of anesthesiology. CA-3 residents are encouraged to seek concentrated exposure to all anesthesiology subspecialties and to select one of the three career tracks approved by the ABA as part of the continuum of education. These options include
• Research Track: CA-3 resident chooses to spend a minimum of 6 months in research and the remaining time in advanced clinical training.
• Specialty Anesthesia: The resident selects to spend a minimum of 6 months in one specialty such as obstetric anesthesia, cardiac, pain management or pediatrics.
• Advanced Clinical: Senior residents plan and execute anesthesia for advanced and complex cases in all subspecialties.

The Anesthesiology Residency Training Program at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School provides education, training and experience in a stimulating and motivating educational environment where the anesthesiology resident can develop the professional values, attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary to practice consultant level anesthesiology and perioperative medicine. Our goal is to prepare the resident to successfully complete both the written (Part I) and the oral (Part II) components of the American Board of Anesthesiology examination to become a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Residency Application Process

Thank you for your interest in the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School's Anesthesiology Residency Program. Please be advised that our residency program does not offer a Clinical Base year of training. Candidates interested in applying for a CA-1(PGY-2) position may do so through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) beginning in mid-August through December 15th. Applications must be received by the ERAS post office no later than 12/1 with all supporting documents. We accept applications only through the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). The following documentation must be submitted to ERAS:

• Completed application
• Official medical school transcript
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's letter)
• 3 letters of recommendation
• USMLE Step 1 score and USMLE 2 CS and CK scores (if available; submit as soon as scores are received). All in-coming residents must successfully complete Step 3 prior to beginning their CA-1 (PGY-2) year.
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement
• Photo (optional)

The Resident Selection Committee will review all applications and decide what candidates will be invited to the program for an interview.

FAQs: Applying to the Residency Program

How do I apply?

We accept applications only through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) . Our application requirements are the same as the standard ERAS application: the application, CV, personal statement, Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's letter), transcript, and three letters of recommendation.

Can I submit an application directly to the Department?

No, all applications must be submitted through ERAS ,

How many residents are in your program?

The ACGME has certified our program for 27 residents in training (3 year program). Our program is a diversified program consisting of highly qualified American and International graduates.

What percentage of your residents are IMG?

15%

Are there special requirements for graduates of foreign schools?

IMGs must be ECFMG certified to be considered for a position. Graduates of non- LCME accredited schools must submit an ECFMG status report via ERAS.

Is U.S. clinical experience a requirement for IMGs?

It is very helpful and desirable for the applicant to have successfully demonstrated outstanding medical knowledge and U.S. clinical skills. Observerships are not a substitute.

Does the Department enforce a cutoff score for USMLE Step 1 and 2 exam results when reviewing applications?

The Department does not make its decision solely based on scores, and takes into consideration many factors. We do, however, receive applications from many highly qualified applicants. Challenged with a limited number of interview slots, the Selection Committee must, therefore, strongly consider competitive Step scores in their decision.

Is USMLE Step 3 a requirement to apply to your residency program?

No. However, candidates accepted into our program are required to pass the USMLE Step 3 and provide a copy of the results by May 1st of the PGY-1 year in order to matriculate into the Anesthesiology residency program.

Do you require any research experience?

No.

Is there a graduation cut off year?

In general, the Resident Selection Committee uses a five year cutoff in considering applications. However, there is no absolute cut-off and the Committee will apply additional scrutiny to those applicants who are not engaged in clinical work and to those interested in retraining in a new field.

What is your application deadline?

Applications must be received by the ERAS post office no later than 12/1.

How will I be notified that my application has been reviewed?

We give all applications careful scrutiny, which takes time. You will then be notified via ERAS of invitation to interview or if additional time is needed to review your application.

How will I be notified that I have been selected for an interview?

You will be notified via ERAS, with specific instructions on scheduling your interview. An email account has been set up just for our interview season so that we can respond to your needs as quickly and efficiently as possible. All correspondence regarding your interview should be directed to that email address.

What dates are available for interviews?

We interview every Wednesday from November through the 1 st week in February.

How many applicants do you interview?

We interview 10 applicants each interview day.

How is the interview day conducted?

Interviews will be conducted on each Wednesday through the first week in February. The day will begin at 8:00am with an introduction to the program, followed by interviews with the department chair and selected faculty, and a tour of University Hospital. At 11am, a shuttle will take the interviewees for a tour of Hackensack University Medical Center. The day will conclude at approximately 3:00pm. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.