Residency Program

As we again are entering a virtual interview season, we thought we would answer some of the questions most frequently asked of us. Many of these questions have come from our Virtual Open House sessions, and since there are more that would like to attend these than available spots, we thought this would serve as an easy way to share answers to these questions.

1) Are all of your interviews going to be held virtually this year? 
Yes, as we are keeping in line with guidance from our professional organizations (ASA, SAAPM, ACGME) and our institutional GME guidelines. This applies to all applicants, including home and visiting students.

2) Will you permit in-person visits or second looks?
Yes, we will offer a very limited number of second look opportunities to all interviewed applicants after our rank list has been certified. We have set aside February 10th and February 24th for these visits. Second look visits on dates other than what we have set aside for this purpose will not be permitted. Space will be limited, and these spots will be first come, first serve. Second look visits will have no bearing on an applicant's ranking, as our rank list will already be certified by this time. We encourage interviewed applicants to come only if it will be helpful for them personally. More information will be sent out to all applicants who interviewed with us at a later date. Airfare, hotel and any other travel expenses will be the applicant's responsibility.

3) Now that USMLE Step 1 is being reported as pass/fail only, will you utilize Step 2 scores instead?
We review all applications in their entirety, that is, not pre-screening based on single test scores. Although this type of review takes considerable time and energy, applications are read and scored on multiple criteria, including but not limited to basic and clinical grades, research participation and production, volunteer and social missions and contributions, curiosity, cultural awareness, creativity, maturity, professionalism, etc.  As such, time from application availability date (September 28 this year) to offer of interview may take several weeks as we do not simply “filter” through our applications.

4) Do you offer more spots for interviews than available? No. If you are offered a spot to interview, you will have time (72 hours) to respond to that request before forfeiting your spot.

5) How will you utilize the ERAS Supplemental Application? Do you require it?

It appears now that most (154 out of 165) anesthesiology training programs in the Match are accepting the supplemental application, and we are one of these programs. We recommended medical students consider filling this out (there is no cost), and it does give us considerable additional information that otherwise could only previously have been added to the personal statement if an applicant chose to do so. With the elimination of scaled USMLE Step 1 scores after this past January 26th, and that many schools have eliminated tiered grading, class rankings, and participation in honor societies such as AOA, the amount of data available to help review candidates has decreased and this supplemental application allows for additional information to be provided by the applicant to allow for a more informed and holistic review of the entire application. In this way, it is hoped that programs can better identify applicants not only interested in their program but assist in determining if the applicant may possess attributes consistent with the type of resident that performs well in an individual program’s environment. However, as you may know, participation in the supplemental application is entirely voluntary and need not be completed in part or at all by applicants. We feel though that it is to the applicants advantage to provide as much information as possible, in what is anticipated to be a very competitive year.

"Vanderbilt has been an incredible residency experience. It is clear that our education and time is valued by administration and faculty. I genuinely look forward to hanging out with my co-residents every day and many of the residents and faculty have become my closest friends!" -Bobby Barnes, CA-3

"My favorite thing about VUMC is how amazing and supportive my co-residents are, and how willing everyone is to help you learn." -Ellen Stallings, CA-2

The Vanderbilt Department of Anesthesiology’s commitment to global health is historically strong, with demonstrated participation and leadership in international teaching/medical service opportunities by our faculty and staff over the last several decades. The department also offers two significant educational opportunities: a one-month, ACGME-approved rotation for Vanderbilt residents in their CA-3 year, and a global health fellowship that includes the opportunity to also earn a master of public health degree as part of the fellowship. Listed below are our most significant global health endeavors.

Click here to learn more about Vanderbilt International Anesthesia Program.