Medical Student Education

Our department values and prioritizes the education of medical students at all levels during the ForWard Curriculum at SMPH:

Phase 1: Our department supports an Anesthesiology Interest Group (AIG) that holds regular meetings to help pre-clinical students learn more about the specialty and connect with faculty and residents.
Phase 2: As all students benefit from the fundamental principles taught in anesthesiology, our department facilitates a required 2-week rotation during the Surgical Procedural Skills (SPC) block. Approximately 150 students per year rotate in the operating rooms across our statewide campus. These students participate in simulations focused on recognizing hemodynamic or respiratory instability and making initial decisions and interventions to stabilize that patient. In addition to the clinical teaching in the operating room, our faculty are involved with didactics surrounding important topics of pain management and sedation.
Phase 3: Medical students interested in a career in anesthesiology rotate through our department during the 920 elective. This rotation offers a more in-depth and intensive experience to gain further knowledge and skills to prepare for residency. Additionally, students interested in other fields such as pediatrics, emergency medicine, or other specialties can also participate in elective rotations in anesthesiology. In addition to our perioperative anesthesiology electives, we offer critical care (“CTICU”), pain management and research electives.

We also welcome visiting students from other institutions. To participate in our elective rotations, please visit: https://www.med.wisc.edu/education/md-program/visiting-students/