Welcome to the Emory University Department of Anesthesiology! We are excited that you are interested in our program and hope that you consider coming to train at Emory in beautiful Atlanta, Georgia.
Emory is a program with a rich history that dates to the beginning of the specialty. We cover both Grady Memorial Hospital, the major Level 1 trauma center, as well as the Emory University Hospital, the Quaternary referral center for Atlanta and the surrounding area, so residents are exposed to the most challenging and rare diseases. Emory residents graduate with knowledge and confidence to thrive in any situation and are prepared for careers in both academics and private practice. In addition to the excellent clinical training in residency, we are also home to nearly every fellowship program including pediatric, cardiothoracic, obstetrics, regional and liver transplant anesthesia as well as chronic pain management and critical care medicine.
Our training at Emory begins during orientation, where the new residents are first exposed to anesthesia in the classroom for two weeks, allowing the residents to learn the basics of anesthesia in a stress free environment. Next, the residents are paired with another first year resident and an attending for two weeks allowing the residents to get exposure to the practice of anesthesia in the operating room, while still having close supervision. As the residents gain more experience, the level of supervision is appropriately decreased until the residents are running their own cases. The first year consists of 4 months in the general operating rooms at both Emory University Hospital and Grady Memorial Hospital. The last four months of the year are devoted to exposure in the subspecialty rotations, which comprise the majority of the second year. Any interest in fellowship subspecialties can be explored early on in the second year. By the third year the residents are very competent in general anesthesia and can focus on any interests that they would like with electives. We currently rotate through five hospitals all within ten miles of each other, exposing residents to many types of anesthesia practices preparing them for a career wherever they choose.
In addition to the teaching from intraoperative faculty, Emory residents receive a non-clinical didactic day once a month, allowing the residents to focus entirely on learning. At each hospital, there are morning didactics that focus on specific anesthesia related topics. Residents present during these didactics which ultimately prepares them for professional discussions at regional and national conferences. We are very well supported for presentations and are encouraged to present at conferences with additional funding for those who choose to do so. Our residents have recently presented at regional, national, and even international conferences. The cases seen at Emory provide a plethora of content for case presentations, case reports, and the faculty provide many opportunities for manuscripts and book chapters. There are new and ongoing projects that residents are encouraged to participate in allowing for research in the field or subspecialty of the residents choosing. We also have a simulation center that allows exposure to rare and stressful situations in a controlled environment. For board preparation, we have a lecture series for CA1s to prepare them for the Basic exam in June.
Our residents share a love for learning and are dedicated to exemplary patient care. From orientation to graduation, we develop a close bond with our co-residents and faculty lasting well past residency. Our talented residents come from diverse backgrounds and various stages of life. Up until recently, we had resident social events once a month. Due to COVID-19, we have adapted accordingly and are socializing in smaller groups or via zoom, which continues to facilitate/promote interactions outside of the hospital environment. We also have a Pod system which pairs residents from different levels of training with a faculty member who serves as a mentor to the residents along with a one on one mentor program aimed towards success in future aspirations and goals.
In addition to the above, residents live in Atlanta, one of the most diverse cities in the United States. We are surrounded by world-class dining, culture, and sporting events – with a professional football, basketball, baseball, and championship winning soccer team. The food scene in Atlanta is absolutely exploding and the list of concerts, nightlife, museums, festivals, and other wonderful activities to take part in are endless. Outdoor activities at local lakes, parks, and trails are also readily available year round with moderate winters. Atlanta allows for residents in any stage of life to live comfortably, from apartment living in trendy Midtown to homes in quieter neighborhoods. We are also home to the busiest airport in the world making traveling, near or far, very convenient.
If you have a question about our program that isn’t answered on our website or would like to talk to a current resident and get a first-hand perspective on life as an Emory resident, don’t hesitate to e-mail us at emoryanesthesiachiefshlw@gmail.com. We look forward to talking to you during your interview day.