Unique Program Aspects
Combined Pathway Program
The Combined Pathway Program was developed to support residents early in their careers in acquiring additional knowledge and skill sets that enhance their national competitiveness. Advanced degrees—such as an MHA, MBA, or Master's in Education or Clinical Research—prepare residents to become physician leaders and innovators, ready to address challenges in anesthesiology and healthcare at large.
M Simulation
In Spring 2020, the University of Minnesota Simulation Center moved to its new home in the Health Sciences Education Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to transforming health education in Minnesota. The center occupies the 5th and 6th floors of the building. Dr. Mojca Remskar, a faculty member in our department, serves as the Medical Director. Residents in all clinical years participate in tailored simulation curricula, including comprehensive sessions on difficult airway management and regional anesthesia throughout the academic year.
Elective Opportunities
Our program offers robust exposure to all subspecialties of anesthesiology, along with diverse elective opportunities. These include:
- Rotations at our ambulatory surgery center
- International and global health experiences
- Practice management, where residents gain hands-on experience managing OR scheduling, supervising residents and CRNAs
- Teaching opportunities and the option to design an education-focused elective for those interested in academic medicine
Research Track
The American Board of Anesthesiology allows time during residency for research, particularly for those interested in academic careers. We collaborate with interested residents to develop individualized research tracks that include mentoring, protected time, access to resources, and relevant coursework. These programs are designed to equip residents with the skills needed to succeed in a research-oriented career.
ICU Experience
We consider critical care training essential for developing well-rounded anesthesiologists capable of managing complex and critically ill patients. Our residents complete six months of ICU rotations (SICU and CVICU), many of which are staffed by our own anesthesiology faculty. Notably, the CVICU is led exclusively by anesthesiology-trained intensivists, ensuring focused and consistent educational leadership.
Didactic Time
Resident education is a top priority. To ensure protected learning time, residents are relieved from clinical duties at 3:00 PM daily to participate in structured didactic activities, including journal clubs, lectures, problem-based learning discussions (PBLDs), and simulation training.
Role of CRNAs
Our department fosters a strong, team-based relationship with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). CRNAs ensure residents receive morning and afternoon breaks, as well as a 30-minute lunch daily. They also help facilitate protected didactic time by relieving residents at 3:00 PM. Their knowledge of OR workflows and equipment proves invaluable to resident training, especially during on-call shifts.
Global Health
Dr. Zupfer, one of our faculty members and a University of Minnesota residency and pediatric anesthesiology fellowship graduate, shares this experience:
“As a pediatric anesthesia fellow, I traveled to India for a two-week rotation at Narayana Health, a multispecialty hospital in ‘Health City’ near Bangalore. Pediatric patients from across India and neighboring countries come here for advanced cardiac surgery. I worked with five pediatric cardiac surgeons performing up to 10 surgeries per day collectively. I also joined cardiac anesthesiology fellows for daily Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) lectures. It was an unforgettable and invaluable learning experience.”
Benefits
Food Allowance
Each resident engaged in clinical duties receives a Fairview meal card at the beginning of their CA-1 year. The stipend amount is based on the number of call days assigned.
Parking
Contract parking is provided for residents during their CA-1 through CA-3 years on both the East and West Bank campuses.
Recreation & Wellness Center
Located on the University’s East Bank campus, the center offers comprehensive wellness facilities including cardio and weightlifting equipment, lap swimming, rock climbing, and other amenities.
Vacation & Leave of Absence
The American Board of Anesthesiology allows up to 60 days of combined sick, vacation, and leave time between the CA-1 and CA-2 years. Our program allocates:
- 3 weeks of vacation
- 1 week of sick leave per academic year
Additional leaves of absence beyond the 60-day limit may be granted as needed. Residents becoming parents through birth, adoption, surrogacy, or as gestational carriers are eligible for six weeks of paid parental leave, which does not count against vacation or sick leave. Written notice must be provided to the Program Director at least 8 weeks in advance (unless in exceptional circumstances). Early notification helps facilitate a balanced coverage plan.
Stipend & Benefits
For up-to-date details on stipends and benefits, please visit the University of Minnesota Applicants site. The current base stipends chart is available there (please refer to the appropriate year tab).
Academic/Conference Stipend
Residents receive $1,000 per academic year (excluding the intern year) for educational or travel-related expenses. Unused funds may carry over. Residents presenting at scientific meetings (poster, oral, etc.) are allowed up to 5 working days of conference time per academic year (counted as clinical time).
ITE Incentive Policy
To encourage academic excellence, the following incentives are offered:
- CA-1: $750 education fund bonus for a score at or above the 75th percentile on the ABA Basic In-Training Exam
- CA-2: $2,000 bonus for scoring at or above the 75th percentile; an additional $500 for scores above the 50th percentile
Residents presenting at major conferences receive an additional $1,000 annually for travel expenses. All CA-1 residents are required to attend the MARC conference, with all expenses (registration, airfare, hotel) covered by the department.