Anesthesiology

Email Dr. Shawn Jia (contact info above) and he will help determine who might be a good match.

During your Individualization Phase, prioritize Step 2 preparation early. Many students dedicate a full block, such as block 1, to focus on studying. Plan to take ANES 401-AI at UNC anytime between blocks 1 and 6, which will allow enough time to request a letter of recommendation. While blocks 1-4 appear on your transcript, blocks 5-6 are also acceptable for obtaining LORs, with a transcript addendum if needed. To interact with anesthesia critical care faculty, consider the CTCCU rotation (MED 420), or for exposure to pain specialists, ANES 409 (pain management). Both rotations offer opportunities for LORs. Away rotations through VSAS and the Asheville VA anesthesia rotation are also excellent options for gaining experience and securing additional LORs.

Recommended Courses:

• AI/Acting Internship: ANES 401 (UNC Anesthesia AI), ANES 401 should be considered a requirement for all UNC medical students applying to anesthesia.
• CC/Critical Care: In order of exposure to anesthesia CC faculty: MED 420 CTICU, SURY 422 SICU, MED 449 MICU, NEUR 408 NSICU, PEDS 419 PICU. This is another option for interacting with faculty in the department of anesthesiology and requesting LORs.
• ACS/Advanced Clinical Selective: ANES 409 (pain management), ANES 410, SURY 489 (Advanced Elective in Anesthesiology at NHRMC).
• Electives: ANES 403 (research in anesthesia department).

No, not all your rotations need to be in anesthesiology. At a minimum, plan to complete the UNC anesthesia AI. Other electives can be unrelated.

Depends on the situation.  You can discuss with your career goal advisor.  The simplest answer is “not required”.

We would recommend you complete the anesthesiology AI rotation at UNC in order to have UNC letters of recommendation.

Schedule a meeting with your Career Goal Advisor early in your fourth year. To ensure a productive discussion, come prepared with a current CV, your test scores, grades, and elective schedule. The most important advising will occur during residency application preparation, particularly when selecting program signals. Together with your advisor, you will create a personalized list of programs that aligns with your goals while considering your application’s competitiveness to optimize your chances of securing interviews.

You will need three to four letters of recommendation, including at least one from an anesthesiologist. Most students obtain this during their UNC anesthesia AI rotation, but it can also come from an anesthesiologist at another institution if needed. Other opportunities to secure this letter include critical care rotations (CTCCU or STCCU), the pain management rotation, or away rotations. Additional letters can come from faculty in other specialties, research mentors, or leadership experiences. A letter from the chair of anesthesiology is not required.

Request letters of recommendation as early as possible, giving your writers at least a month before the application deadline. If you have a strong interaction with an attending during a rotation, even in your third year, consider asking for a letter at that time. Share an updated CV, a personal statement or draft (if you have it), and your transcripts and test scores to help them craft a strong recommendation. Meeting with your letter writers to discuss your goals and experiences can also be helpful.

To determine the best programs to apply to, consider factors such as geography and program type. Attend virtual open houses and ASA Meet and Greet events to learn more about prospective programs. Seek insights from faculty, mentors, or recent UNC graduates who are familiar with various programs. While online forums can offer perspectives from residents and applicants, keep in mind that they are often used as a space for venting and may not always provide unbiased information.

Sure, it does not hurt!  Particularly if they are high on your list or you are looking to get an interview or reconnect after your interview.

Email the program coordinator and program director, focusing on specific ties or interests in their program. When explaining your interest, go beyond generic reasons that could apply to any program, such as strong clinical training or excellent resident camaraderie. Instead, highlight unique and personal factors, such as geographic connections, distinctive curriculum features, or faculty research. If you have any notable updates to your application, such as a poster presentation, new grades, a publication, awards etc. be sure to include these in your letter of interest.

As above – would not call it a letter of intent, but would highlight interest.

This is a nice touch and we would recommend doing so.

Yes, but only send to one program!

Depends on your level of interest in the program. A courteous response, even if brief, would make a good impression.

Anesthesiology has become an increasingly popular and competitive specialty. A strong applicant typically has an excellent academic record, with high clerkship grades—ideally mostly honors. The USMLE Step 2 CK score is also important. Aim for a minimum score of 240. According to Charting Outcomes in the Match, the average for matched applicants is around 252. Demonstrating an interest in anesthesiology through activities like shadowing, joining anesthesia-related student groups, or participating in anesthesia research shows commitment to the field. The average matched applicant has about three research experiences, which don’t all have to be in anesthesiology. Commons options for research include summer projects after first year, case reports, or review articles. However, research is generally less important than grades and the Step 2 score. Strong letters of recommendation, whether from anesthesiologists or other mentors who know you well, can also really support your application.