Sample Anesthesiology Residency Personal Statement #2
Anesthesiology provides opportunities to display specialized skills by performing a wide range of procedures while having cognitive challenges as well. After medical school I was selected for a two year anesthesiology residency program at Large Medical College, India. During my training, I learned to administer anesthesia for a wide array of cases: pediatric, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, urology, orthopedics and general surgeries. [ad#bannermain-plain] Later in residency, I became more responsible and confident in handling various cases independently. I enjoyed my work of putting patients to sleep and maintaining their vitals during the critical points of surgery.
My critical care rotation allowed me to learn about ventilators and manage patients that required long term intensive care. There I was awed by the mix of internal medicine and anesthesia skills required in managing critically ill patients. I found most aspects of modern intensive therapy – invasive cardiovascular monitoring, manipulation of the circulation, renal support, postoperative analgesia, and the management of shock fascinating and challenging.
Performing well in my residency, I joined as an attending anesthesiologist at India Hospitals. This experience of seven months allowed me to sharpen my technical skills including catheterization of central veins, placement of arterial lines and epidural catheters, and various regional blocks. Being part of the cardiac anesthesia team gave me an amazing experience of handling CABG surgeries and many pediatric congenital heart cases. Working as an attending anesthesiologist required to manage the administrative aspects of anesthesiology – efficiently managing operating room time; building and maintaining team spirit; establishing rapport with colleagues, surgeons and OR personnel. In order to continue teaching, I instructed classes for nurses and OR technicians. My position often had me administering anesthesia outside of the operating rooms in radiology and cardiac catheterization labs. This experience provided me the ability to anticipate problems ahead and take necessary precautions to handle difficult situations.
My interest and previous experience in India has led me to pursue anesthesiology in the United States. To prepare for residency, I joined an observership at the Super Clinic of Florida, where I observed the use of the latest equipment in the operating room and familiarized myself with the US medical trends. I also attended the pain management clinic that gave me an opportunity to learn the nerve blocks used to relieve chronic pain. The significance of easing of pain impressed me such that I am considering a pain management fellowship.
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I am currently working for Dr. Michael, Program Director for the Department of Anesthesiology at University of Southern State in research of geriatric anesthesia. While involved in this project, I realized that as our elderly population is increasing and as an anesthesiologist it is critical to consider physiologic changes that occur in older patients and have a thorough knowledge about pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics . I also observed operating rooms at State Memorial Hospitalto further acquaint myself with the latest techniques. This experience as a research associate grounded my interest for pursuing clinical research in my future endeavors.
I am a confident individual, yet I know my limitations and when to ask for help. I pride myself on good communication skills, an key skill required in the operating room when working with surgical teams. My previous experience as an anesthesiologist shows my ability to handle high level of stress that this field demands. I am looking forward for a program that would cultivate learning and independent thinking. I would like to be in a hospital where residents are given extensive responsibilities under the supervision of faculty. I look forward to being challenged every day during my anesthesia residency.
