What are the real strengths of this department? The list is long, but one of the things I enjoyed most is the remarkably comfortable and interactive learning environment.
Morning conference starts the day as a great opportunity to consult and learn from your colleagues. When I first came to UIC, something that immediately impressed me was how residents and faculty members did not hesitate to share their previous day's interesting cases, problems encountered or mistakes made. Instead of finger-pointing or creating an embarrassing or belittling situation for anyone, this becomes a constructive session where residents and medical students are encouraged to work through cases and ask questions.
OR time at UIC is another exceptional learning experience. My first several months of Anesthesiology were filled with unfamiliar situations and predicaments that the books alone could never prepare me for. The faculty-to-OR ratio at UIC is high, allowing our faculty members the freedom to spend considerable time teaching residents one-on-one the skills and knowledge necessary to meet demands of the case. I find them to be extremely approachable and have never been made to feel intimidated or inadequate when asking or attempting to answer questions. Most have a motivating enthusiasm for the field and a proactive approach to our education. Often, our faculty will copy a relevant article or a chapter from a book they have found particularly useful to add depth to a subject
that we have been discussing in the OR. We also benefit from having over 40 faculty members with diverse clinical and research backgrounds, which can turn even the most 'routine' case into an opportunity to try out something new and challenging.
I also learned a great deal from our excellent anesthesia techs, pharmacists, and office staff. They provide a wealth of knowledge, are easily accessible and despite being busy themselves, never make me feel like I am inconveniencing them by asking for their help. I can't tell you how many times I have been in a bind with a lost look on my face only to have Melvin or Mickey approach me asking, "what's wrong, what do you need?"
I feel like the UIC Anesthesia program offers a unique educational and professional experience for many reasons. The overall attitude of the program is friendly and the drive to educate confident and outstanding residents is evident daily.
Barbara Sebastian, M.D., 2007 residency program graduate
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, UIC, 2007-2008
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