Education highlights

The Education program announced a series of advancements in 2024. In May, we proudly sent 10 talented anesthesiology residents to the Western Anesthesia Resident’s Conference (WARC) in Irvine, CA. Their participation highlighted our commitment to academic excellence and innovation, with residents presenting original research and engaging with peers from across the region. Their presence at WARC underscores the department’s dedication to fostering a scholarly environment that encourages residents to contribute to the broader field of anesthesiology.

Also in May 2024, UCSF unveiled the state-of-the-art Simulation Lab in PRIDE Hall at ZSFG. This innovative facility now supports a robust curriculum of simulations, serving all levels of training in our residency and fellowship programs. Designed with the latest technology, the lab hosts simulation sessions for interns, CA1 onboarding, CA2 and CA3 crisis management, Critical Care scholars, and ICU fellows. The Simulation Lab is also equipped to host the American Board of Anesthesiology’s Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) courses. This space will be pivotal in advancing our hands-on, immersive training, ensuring UCSF residents are prepared for the complexities of modern anesthesiology.

We opened a Skills Lab at our Parnassus campus, strategically located near the OR to facilitate training in critical areas like transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). This skills lab provides immediate access for hands-on teaching and practice during OR breaks, with drop-in sessions led by cardiac faculty. Each month, faculty members present a new case, allowing residents and fellows to engage with diverse clinical scenarios. The lab is equipped with an ALS mannequin, airway equipment for intubation practice, and a TEE/TTE simulator, making it an ideal setting for developing and refining essential skills.

The Education program enhanced the onboarding experience for incoming CA1 residents, prioritizing individualized learning and maximizing hands-on practice. To accommodate these changes, the incoming cohort was split into two groups with a staggered start, allowing for more focused teaching time per resident. The revised onboarding program now includes expanded simulation sessions and practical workshops, providing new residents with a comprehensive and supportive transition into clinical anesthesia training.

To further support UCSF’s commitment to developing clinician-researchers, we have introduced a new research track, Alternative Resident Research and Innovation for Scientific Excellence (ARRISE). As an alternative to the Research Scholars Pathway, ARRISE is designed to integrate meaningful research experience within the constraints of residency, allowing participants to complete up to 6 months of research in their CA3 year and 3 months in their CA2 year without extending their training or delaying graduation. Residents in the ARRISE program will work clinically one day per week and participate in the general weekend call pool during research blocks, with flexible scheduling options to optimize their research productivity. ARRISE aligns with the American Board of Anesthesiology’s guidelines for research during residency and underscores UCSF’s commitment to advancing scientific inquiry within the field of anesthesiology.

These developments represent our dedication to educational excellence, clinical skill advancement, and research innovation. The Education program is honored to continue to provide our residents with the best resources and opportunities to thrive as leaders in anesthesiology.

Kristina Sullivan, MD
Anesthesia Residency Program Director
Director of Education and Assessment for Graduate Medical Education at UCSF
Associate Chair of Education

Jannot Ross
Director of Education