Anesthesiology

The medical student may be introduced to anesthesiology through a variety of pre-clinical selectives that allow the first- or second- year student to observe the perioperative care of the surgical patient. The principles of many medications used commonly in the provision of anesthesia are explained in detail by anesthesia faculty during the second year pharmacology course.

An elective one- to two-week-long rotation during the third year serves as an introduction to the various aspects of anesthesia practice: operating room anesthesia, obstetric anesthesia, pain management, and critical care.

More intense exposure to the clinical field of anesthesia occurs in the fourth-year elective when students participate as active members of the anesthesia care team. Responsibilities range from preoperative evaluations of surgical patients to hands-on management of general and regional anesthesia including airway management and vascular access.

Medical students on rotation in the Department of Anesthesia participate in all regularly scheduled teaching activities. Elective rotations are offered at tertiary care centers and a number of affiliated hospitals. The recent decline in anesthesiology resident numbers has increased the likelihood for medical students to receive hands on training in procedures and techniques formerly reserved to residents.

The Department of Anesthesia offers approved three-year residency training programs at Tufts Medical Center, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, and Baystate Medical Center.

The department's research program integrates preclinical and clinical studies. The Anesthesia Research Laboratories have a well-established research program on the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of analgesia and related areas. This program is complemented by clinical research that emphasizes analgesic trials but also spans other areas such as cardiac, thoracic, obstetric, and pediatric anesthesia. Significant collaborations occur with the Health Institute (outcomes research and quality of life assessment) and the Pharmacology, Surgery, Pediatrics and Medicine Departments