|
|
|
Marty Hove Smitty Manion
|
Choosing your residency can be a daunting task. Just a few of the several considerations one must scrutinize include the breadth of clinical training, the dedication to education, and the work environment. When we reflect upon our experience at The University of Iowa, we feel it has lived up to its strong reputation and longstanding history and offers one of the best anesthesia training programs in the country.
Clinical anesthesia training at The University of Iowa is nothing short of exceptional. Residents are exposed to a remarkable volume of unique and challenging cases beginning relatively early in their CA-1 year and thus quickly develop an extraordinary clinical acumen. In addition to receiving very solid experiences in virtually every area of perioperative medicine, we receive truly superlative training in pain medicine, regional anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, neuroanesthesia, and intensive care. Our new Ambulatory Surgery Center provides opportunities to practice alternative anesthetic techniques that may better reflect a private practice setting. Our graduates uniformly feel prepared to manage any anesthetic upon completion of our program.
In addition to excellent clinical training, there is a strong focus on resident education. We receive didactics three times per week in addition to quality intraoperative teaching. Having senior residents present key word lectures each year emphasizes board examination preparation, and these lectures are placed on our departmental intranet for review. We perform mock oral boards twice per year and are fortunate to have Dr. Niels Jensen (www.boardprep.com) perform his board preparation sessions throughout the academic calendar. Each resident receives valuable training through our Patient Simulator Center’s program, where we are frequently challenged with rare intraoperative scenarios involving both adults and pediatrics. The department promotes basic science and clinical research and fosters any resident involvement in independent or ongoing projects. Our many renowned faculty inspire an intellectually stimulating environment in all arenas and help open doors to the most competitive fellowships via international connections.
Perhaps the strongest aspect of our program revolves around the amazing work environment. Indeed, you will not find a more amiable atmosphere inside and out of the operating room. Our group of residents has developed a truly dynamic camaraderie. We continue to rear impressive text-page banter, and our resident lounge is consistently rife with laughter and entertainment. We are inclined to gather outside of work through numerous social activities such as paintball, basketball, golf, tailgating, sledding, poker, and our notorious Xenon Society. Our communal support was recently manifested through the astounding departmental assistance given to those who were afflicted during the recent floods. Our residents continue to forge personal and professional relationships that will endure for years to come.
Exceptional clinical training, a dedication to resident education, and an affable work environment make The University of Iowa a tremendous place to pursue anesthesia training. Our graduates consistently perform well on the written and oral boards, obtain their choice of fellowships, and are strongly recruited into both the private practice and academic domain. We feel fortunate to have been allowed to train as anesthesiologists at The University of Iowa and are honored to have been selected as chief residents in such an outstanding academic and social arena.
Sincerely,
Smitty Manion, MD
Marty Hove, MD
Chief Residents, 2008-2009