Anesthesia Re-Training Programs?

[MedZeppelin]

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Is anyone aware of a "re-training" program for anesthesiologists, such as myself, who have been out of clinical practice for a few years? Surely, I would not have to repeat residency?

I thought it would be nice (and safer) to practice and refresh my skills prior to jumping back into the OR?

Thanks,

 

[repititionition]

http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/anesth/Fellowship

 

[MedZeppelin]

Thank you for the tip, repititionition!

 

[repititionition]

No problem - it's nice to get things that have stuck in my brain out for a change.

 

[urge]

I would also check with your residency if they would take you back for a year or so. It might be better to be with familiar faces, provided your were not a horrible resident.

 

[periopdoc]

Talk to just about any residency program in your area about an "Advanced Clinical Anesthesia Fellowship" in general anesthesia. You should have no problem finding a program that will sign you up for a year. You will likely make less than 1/4 of what you would make if you were out in practice, but some places will let you make more. You should be able to easily get 60% supervised work with 40% independent work as an attending. They may even be willing to negotiate so that you progress into independent responsibility. Start out 100% supervised and progress throughout the year until you are working 100% independent (meaning you are supervising residents and/ or CRNAs most likely).

University of Washington would go for this. I know UMASS used to have a program like this, but the website doesn't list it anymore. You can try Googling Advanced Clinical Anesthesia Fellowship, but most of these listed are for a specific area like ENT, ortho etc as opposed to a general, wide-ranging fellowship.

Good luck.


- pod

 

[MedZeppelin]

Wow! Thanks for the ideas! I'll check into these programs. I was kind of hoping to find a program shorter than one year. Perhaps a few months, just to brush up my skills...they may still be able to offer such training? Thanks again!

 

[BobBarker]

Are you getting out of pain? I think you could get back into the OR without any retraining. Just take it easy the first few weeks.

 

[MedZeppelin]

I'm wanting to do a pain/anesthesia 50:50 mix. Up until now, I've been full-time pain.

 

[periopdoc]

You will find it significantly harder to find a short-term slot. What is the benefit to the program? Not trying to be harsh, but you will have to look at it this way. You could probably swing a 6 monther, but even that might be tough. I would contact your home program and ask them. Do you have an old friend that you could shadow?

Typically, programs offer these and other non-ACGME "fellowships" because they can bill for your time as an attending and pay you about 25% of what they take in. To make it worth the effort at getting you credentialled, get you registered with insurers etc they need a time commitment.

Good luck.

-pod