Department of Anesthesiology

Description and Requirements: SUNY Downstate Affiliates

We offer a three-year program of intensive training, following a PGY-1, clinical base year. The 36 months are divided into 12 months of basic anesthesia training, 12 months of subspecialty training and 12 months of advanced anesthesia training.

For many applicants, PGY-1 training can be arranged at SUNY Downstate, Long Island College Hospital, Staten Island University Hospital, or another program of your choice, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Entrance into the CA-I level (PGY-2) of training, outside of the NRMP Match is available through this department for those who have completed a PGY-1 year or to those choosing to change their initial specialties.

The three years of clinical anesthesia training (CA-1 through CA-3) begin with experience in basic anesthesia. This phase emphasizes basic and fundamental aspects of patient care and management of the patient undergoing anesthesia. It is recommended that at least 12 months of the CA-1 and CA-2 years be spent in basic anesthesia training, with most of the training taking place during the CA-1 year. Twelve months of subspecialty training is required for board eligibility in anesthesia. The subspecialty disciplines include obstetrical, pediatric, cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, ambulatory, transplant and regional anesthesia, post anesthesia care, and pain management. The CA-3 year provides advanced anesthesia training in various subspecialty disciplines.

Fellowship training is available at SUNY Downstate or at one of several approved affiliates, upon completion of the CA-3 year. These programs' curricula and facilities meet the specifications outlined by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA).

At the end of the four years, you will be eligible and qualified to take and pass the written and oral boards administered by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

At SUNY Downstate, one of our anesthesiology program's greatest strengths is that residents rotate through three integrated hospitals, treating a diverse group of patients and pathology.