Studying Anesthesiology

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I’m two months into my CA-1 year and only just beginning to learn how to study clinical anesthesiology. In other words, the last two months have been filled with rapid fire knowledge and on-the-spot learning interspersed with some didactic sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays – I feel like I’ve not retained anything. :-(

Anesthesiology is a field where knowledge (physiology, pathology, and pharmacology) meets procedural techniques (placing peripheral lines, central lines, arterial lines, spinal/epidurals, regional blocks, advanced airway management). It’s hard to know exactly how to study for such a diverse field.

After casually reviewing Morgan and Mikhail’s Clinical Anesthesiology during my intern year with many failed attempts at retention (highlighting, making flashcards, etc.), I’ve decided to really buckle down and learn my trade. I only have three short years to do so!

Random day off = more studying!

My textbook of choice is Barash’s Clinical Anesthesia. Fortunately, the companion Android app makes it incredibly easy to read chapters on my tablet without having to lug this behemoth around. I’m using the American Board of Anesthesiology’s content outline as the foundation for constructing a syllabus of material relevant to our in-training exam (ITE) and basic sciences board exam. Using our didactic sessions and supplemental reading, I’ve really been keeping up with the high yield topics over the last two weeks and am seeing a tremendous benefit.

In the coming weeks, I’ll post my notes for all to use. Till then, I’m still trying to drink from the proverbial fire hose of information. Stay tuned. :-)

Comments

5 responses to “Studying Anesthesiology”

  1. Juan Busco Avatar
    Juan Busco

    Hey Rishi,

    in your post you mentioned that you would post your notes pertaining to the ITE exam; I have read almost all of your blog posts over the years and was wondering if you could link me to the notes!

    Thank you for sharing your candid insights and honesty in your posts. This blog is an invaluable resource for future students of anesthesiology.

    “In the coming weeks, I’ll post my notes for all to use. Till then, I’m still trying to drink from the proverbial fire hose of information. Stay tuned.”

    Reply
  2. MSdude Avatar
    MSdude

    Hi Rishi,

    I’d love to know if you have any book recommendations for med students interested in doing an anesthesiology away rotation and hoping to shine? Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    Hey Rishi! Thanks for your awesome website, which I only happened upon recently, but which is already so interesting and helpful! :)

    I’m only a med student, but hope to get into anesthesiology someday. Any advice or tips for what to do on an anesthesiology away rotation? Like, any recommended books to read (e.g., I’ve heard the NMS anesthesiology book is a good one but it was published over a decade ago, but maybe things haven’t changed that much)? And do you think we need to be good at procedural skills, because I seriously have none or the ones I do have I really am bad at them to say the least! Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks. :)

    Reply

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