They have a 3-year accreditation cycle length. In the past, this would have been more troubling, but I feel like the RRC hasn't been handing out as many 5 year cycles as they used to.
So I'm a resident at the U of MN. I should first let everyone know that we have just earned a 5y accreditation and I think its a testament to the hard work that the chair, Dr. Prielipp, has put in over the last several years to acheive this! To be honest, I think the previous "bad rep" is an advantage to anyone willing to see beyond this as I think the program has the potential to be a midwestern jewel. The longer I'm here, the more I see those motivated to improve the program and the more I want to contribute and see it as a rare opportunity as a resident.
To start: the 2 attending groups (private practice and academia) is actually a really nice mix because you can see the different styles between academics and private practice. You have the opportunity here to talk to the PP folks about their setup as well as their perspectives on anything, whether it be anesthesia or life in general, which is an extremely important and all too often ignored aspect of residency in all specialties, not just anesthesiology. If academics is your thing, there is a small and dedicated faculty that encourage you to partake in as much research as you want. The University of MN is also one of the few centers in the U.S. for diagnosing Malignant Hyperthermia. Lastly, we have an upcoming lecture given by academic attendings about how to look for a practice when done with residency.
Second: There is a symbiotic relationship with CRNAs where we are relieved regularly around 3pm so that we can get pre-ops done and then have dedicated academic time at 4. The tradeoff is on days where you have a slow or late room, you are asked to give breaks or lunches, which really is a good opportunity to learn how to jump into a case as things are already happening and to quickly organize your thoughts in order to adapt. There is also flexibility on a daily basis, if you look at the board and see a case you want to do or want more experience with, you have the ability to switch into that room. When you are in the PACU, while cases are starting in the morning, you have the opportunity to act as float and place numerous lines, blocks, etc.
Third: The academics, as said before, there is a small but dedicated group of academic attendings who enjoy teaching residents and there are lectures/simulation opportunities 2-3 times per week lasting about an hour. I also have attendings during cases bring in or tell me about articles related to the case that I'm doing so I can apply reading to everyday practice.
Fourth: the call schedule is night float M-F on a rotating schedule depending on class size, about 8-9 times per year. Saturdays and Sundays are on a similar rotation and our Program Coordinator is great at making sure we aren't overwhelmed with call duties.
Fifth: Pain rotations have recently been moved back to the Twin Cities rather than having to spend time in La Crosse WI, so far the reviews from residents that have done this have been positive.
Sixth: Cardiac, Neuro, Thoracic, Peds, and Transplant are strengths. It is well known that if you are a CA1 on call, you are first up for a liver transplant. You still have help from the others on call, but this is your opportunity to be primary on big cases early in residency.
So that's some of the low down, good luck to all who are interviewing this season! I remember feeling stressed while interviewing, but looking back on it now, it was actually pretty exciting!
