1. Great numbers. Exposure to variety of cases, no shortage including plenty of traumas.
2. Variety. Being the only program in Dallas, we rotate at private hospitals affiliated with UTSW, Baylor, Childrens, Methodist and the VA. Great thing is that rotations are all 1 month so usually when you are tired of something its time to move on
3. Faculty. For the majority, gives you autonomy but readily available. You do have a good amount that will give you great mini lectures and clinical pearls in the OR. If you suggest that you would like to try something new, usually never a problem. Non-threatening. I'm actually a person whom learns from pimping because I think its a great way to prepare for oral boards so dissapointed in that area
(good thing depending on how you look at it)
4. Higher-ups: Chair is Dr. Whitten and he is fantastic!!!!! One of the most endearing ppl that I know. RESIDENTS are his top priority. Always seeking ways to make and keep us happy. Dr. Griffin is the education director. His mission in life is to ensure that we are trained properly and will become board-certified anesthesiologists. He is constantly developing new ideas to help improve our curriculum. Also, very sincere and approachable if situations arise.
5. Hours: Very flexible and resident friendly. This is possible because of the amount of CRNAs we have. Very rarely do you stay beyond 3 unless you are on call or the late person. PLENTY of days I have left before 2. At the privates, if you stay beyound 5, you get paid like $64/hour. Only have like 8 months CA 1 year of call which is q 4, which does bite. YES, there have been days I've been up all night (2) but there have been days where I have went to bed at 9:30 and slept all night. Honestly the average is about 4 hours uniterrupted sleep +/-2. There is plenty of home call. This year so far, I've had 2 months of home call and was called in once for 1 hour and regardless if you didn't come in, you get the next day off.
I hear CA2 is basically home call. CA3 is whatever you make it.
6. Techs: Depends where you are but for the most part they get the job done. No real complaints because when you learn to do things your self YOU don't need to depend on anyone.
7. Reading time: PLENTY!!!!!!!! I have read a good amount of Barash and its only been 4 months.
8. Surgeons: Ortho is very cool, uro/plastics/ENT are kool but dealing with the Gen Surg RESIDENTS, not attendings is a challenge. Anesthesia is not for the weak in general but you definitely have to make it clear to them that they can't do your job better than you nor do they have a clue.
9. Dallas: pretty neutral for me. Great place to raise kids and cheap to buy a house but doesn't offer much more than that for me. I'm a fast lane person, bit too slow.
10. Research: just wanted to say a lil something about this. There is the standard 6 month CA3 elective which is competitive to obtain. But we are exploring ways to ensure opportunites for research are available early in an effort to continue to produce leaders in the field.
BEST part is the patients. They are just a great bunch and its a real pleasure to care for them. I pride myself on treating them with the respect that they deserve and its so rewarding!
p.s. Keep in mind that I'm married with a kid and I think this is a great, friendly family oriented place. I.e. I was a little blue a few weeks back and one of the chiefs came out of nowhere and told me to let her know if I needed a day off. I know, unheard of.
hope this helps!