The Anesthesiology Residency program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is a four-year program comprised of an intern year, which we oversee, followed by three years in anesthesiology training. We offer 14 categorical positions each year.
Application Process
Fourth year medical students interested in applying to the anesthesiology residency at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are required to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by November 1.
Our residency is participating in the signaling process within ERAS. This feature is voluntary for applicants but not required.
The optional signaling process provides applicants the opportunity to indicate:
- Geographic preferences (by division and by urban or rural setting)
- Interest in individual programs
Required Documents
As part of the ERAS process, prospective candidates will need to have the following documentation in ERAS prior to application review:
- Completed ERAS application
- USMLE Step I and II OR COMLEX Level 1 and 2 score reports
- MSPE
- Medical School Transcript
- ECFMG Certificate (Foreign Medical School graduates only)
- Personal statement
- Minimum of three letters of recommendation
- Current photograph
Our program uses a holistic application review approach taking into consideration not only academic metrics but also the unique experiences and attributes of each candidate.
What does your program look for in a resident candidate?
We look for medical students with a strong passion for a career in anesthesiology. It is a very dynamic field with broad opportunities requiring aptitude, acumen, an array of skill sets, composure, intelligence, dexterity, multitasking, problem solving and prioritizing. Some indicators of clinical competency are reflected in medical school transcripts, USMLE/COMLEX scores and letters of recommendation. We value a wide variety of interests: global health initiatives, leadership experiences, volunteerism, exposure to research and desire for subspecialty training. All applications are individually reviewed by our selection committee.
Can Foreign Medical Graduates Apply?
We accept foreign medical graduates into our program. We look for well-qualified candidates and prefer applicants who have had U.S. clinical experience within the application year. If you need work authorization, our institution accepts J-1 Visas, Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD) and green cards.
Is your internship dual AOA/ACGME Internship Accreditation(DO candidates only)?
Our internship year meets all the requirements of the AOA. After successful completion of your intern year, we are able to assist Doctor of Osteopathy residents in applying for Resolution 42. All of our osteopathic residents have received retrospective approval for their internship from the AOA.
What rotations are included in your internship year?
Our internship is specifically designed to optimize preparation for anesthesiology. Rotations include ENT, emergency medicine, neurology, pain medicine, pediatric critical care, internal medicine, adult critical care, arrhythmia consultation, pulmonary consultation, vascular surgery, anesthesiology and blood bank.
Do you offer high-fidelity simulation during training?
We have a dedicated Simulation Center, which is used by the American Board of Anesthesiology for maintenance of certification (MOCA). It is also used throughout residency for initial Orientation, Boot Camp Training, and scenarios to practice crisis management. We have embedded weekly simulation sessions built into our resident lecture series.
What do you do to prepare residents for board certification?
Our residents participate in the following educational opportunities to enhance their preparedness for the boards.
- New Resident Orientation Lecture Series: This lecture series is dedicated to helping new anesthesiology trainees learn the basics of anesthesiology and start assimilating these concepts into their clinical practice. The lectures series, presented by our faculty, runs for 6 weeks in July and August.
- Basic Examination: Our CA-1 lecture series is geared towards the Basic Science Examination and we have a comprehensive review in June prior to the exam.
- Advanced Examination: Our graduates take the Advanced Examination in July at the conclusion of the residency. The In-Training exam is taken annually in preparation for this final written exam.
- In Training: We have dedicated the month of February to focus on the In Training board review. Our resident lecture series and complex cases in the operating room synergistically prepare our residents for certification.
- Oral Board Examinations: Several of our anesthesiology faculty are American Board of Anesthesiology oral board examiners. Our residents participate in semiannual Mock Oral examinations which closely simulate the actual examination.
- OSCE Examination Preparation: Several of our faculty are American Board of Anesthesiology Examiners, and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is an approved Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology examination center. We provide an annual simulation experience to prepare our residents for the OSCE examination.
Do you offer electives during the final year of residency training?
We offer a minimum of 7 electives in a flexible CA‐3 year with many unique opportunities ranging from global health experiences, teaching in the simulation center, research, merit badge, ambulatory supervision, echocardiography and additional subspecialty rotations of your choice
How does the Student Nurse Anesthesia Program (SRNA) impact the Anesthesiology Residency?
We have an abundance of cases at Wake Forest with our main priority being residency training. The SRNA program does not negatively impact residency training since our residents achieve more than twice the required case minimums set by the ACGME. They reach up to 4 times the required cases for epidurals and peripheral nerve blocks. SRNA training requirements are quite different from anesthesiology residents and they too are easily attained across the breadth of their training. The role of SRNAs and CRNAs in the operating room is also quite different when compared to our residents. As our senior anesthesiology residents progress towards graduation, the focus changes to a supervisory role on call and on certain senior electives to prepare them for any practice setting they encounter after training. Our CRNA colleagues are very beneficial to our training program and academic endeavors: our residents are relieved by our CRNAs from their OR for protected time in afternoon didactics and simulation as well as when attending journal clubs, workshops, graduation and conferences. CRNAs also take overnight call, weekend call and contribute to our workforce to keep our busy operating room fully staffed. We provide a hospitable and collegial environment for everyone to meet their career goals and we greatly value the teamwork developed through the anesthesia care team approach.
Do you offer any fellowship experiences?
We offer ACGME accredited fellowships in Pain Medicine, Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Obstetric Anesthesiology. We offer a non-ACGME fellowship in Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Management.
Where do residents go after training?
Our graduates are competent to work in a vast array of practices. It is our mission to prepare residents to work in all practice settings, in any location. Our graduates transition comfortably into private practice, fellowship training and academic medicine. We have Wake Forest Alumni in nearly 40 states across the US.