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If you are looking for a complete, comprehensive anesthesiology program, one that undoubtedly prepares you for the real world, then the program at Northwestern is one to consider applying to. As a graduating senior, I feel compelled to write a bit about the program since this website tends to have a lot of influence. However having gone through this process, I assure you that you can only get a feel for a program in person.
My training at NMH has been fantastic. I will no doubt feel prepared to venture out into solo practice. Despite this feeling, one that you want a program to give you, what has made my experience here the best is my fellow residents and educators. We are a family. Many of our weekends and free hours are spend hanging out together, going to restaurants, taking trips, playing organized sports, etc. Our program works hard and you will see a multitude of complexity. Working hard does not equate to abuse or performing useless cases. There is a strong mid-level staff at NMH that decompresses the high volume of surgery that we do. I don't have to say this to many of you I'm sure, but working hard in residency is paramount and developing a solid skill set is important to distinguish yourself in the current medical landscape.
Our hours vary drastically depending on rotation. My estimated range is 40-70hrs/wk. You will obviously be working longer hours on cardiac or ICU than ambulatory or chronic pain clinic. Educational funds are generous and a compensation program is in place for residents who work after 5pm (a variety of programs have this and it paid for a nice vacation I took with other residents!).
Anesthesiology attracts physicians with a variety of different personalities. Being able to work with different personalities is an important skill to develop, especially in medicine. We have a great mix of young and seasoned staff, not old. Attendings are approachable and eager to teach. This is important during your CA-1 and CA-2 year. As a senior you will want to transition in to your own style of practice and as your competence level increases, so will your autonomy. NMH has done an excellent job with this.
Perhaps the most important quality measure that I have come across in my final year and as I look for jobs is that speaking with former alumni of the program, they unanimously say that their education was top notch and prepared them very well. Many are in leadership roles at other academic centers as well as private practice groups. The career path you decide is met with support and many attendings are personally reaching out in their network to help my job search.
Although I am an east coaster, living in downtown Chicago has fundamentally changed my perception of the midwest. The city has endless culture, shopping, and culinary adventure, mixed with a midwest charm. I will be looking to stay here. Summers are worth it!
Good luck in your residency search!
My training at NMH has been fantastic. I will no doubt feel prepared to venture out into solo practice. Despite this feeling, one that you want a program to give you, what has made my experience here the best is my fellow residents and educators. We are a family. Many of our weekends and free hours are spend hanging out together, going to restaurants, taking trips, playing organized sports, etc. Our program works hard and you will see a multitude of complexity. Working hard does not equate to abuse or performing useless cases. There is a strong mid-level staff at NMH that decompresses the high volume of surgery that we do. I don't have to say this to many of you I'm sure, but working hard in residency is paramount and developing a solid skill set is important to distinguish yourself in the current medical landscape.
Our hours vary drastically depending on rotation. My estimated range is 40-70hrs/wk. You will obviously be working longer hours on cardiac or ICU than ambulatory or chronic pain clinic. Educational funds are generous and a compensation program is in place for residents who work after 5pm (a variety of programs have this and it paid for a nice vacation I took with other residents!).
Anesthesiology attracts physicians with a variety of different personalities. Being able to work with different personalities is an important skill to develop, especially in medicine. We have a great mix of young and seasoned staff, not old. Attendings are approachable and eager to teach. This is important during your CA-1 and CA-2 year. As a senior you will want to transition in to your own style of practice and as your competence level increases, so will your autonomy. NMH has done an excellent job with this.
Perhaps the most important quality measure that I have come across in my final year and as I look for jobs is that speaking with former alumni of the program, they unanimously say that their education was top notch and prepared them very well. Many are in leadership roles at other academic centers as well as private practice groups. The career path you decide is met with support and many attendings are personally reaching out in their network to help my job search.
Although I am an east coaster, living in downtown Chicago has fundamentally changed my perception of the midwest. The city has endless culture, shopping, and culinary adventure, mixed with a midwest charm. I will be looking to stay here. Summers are worth it!
Good luck in your residency search!