The Neuroanesthesia rotation offers extensive experience in perioperative neurosurgical patient care.

In addition to mastering neuropharmacology, neurophysiology and common pathophysiology, by the end of the rotation residents will be expected to display substantial independence in preparation for and anticipation of peri-operative problems.

They should be able to prioritize a patient's disease states, as well as anticipate inherent surgical issues, designing an anesthetic plan accordingly. By the end of the rotation the resident should require minimal to no assistance in executing an anesthetic plan, as his/her skill set in airway management, invasive monitoring, intravenous access, and regional techniques are well developed.

A senior level resident is also expected to identify and manage post-operative problems. The acquisition of knowledge is paramount to a successful and safe anesthetic consultant.

Daily interaction and consultation with attendings serve to augment clinical experience. Attendance at the senior level weekly lecture series in addition to Grand Rounds is expected. It is also the expectation of the department that residents will partake in independent reading.

Clinical evaluations of residents during the Neuroanesthesia rotation occur at the end of each month. It is a written and composite evaluation of Neuroanesthesia attendings that have worked with the particular resident. Attendings may also elect to perform individual on-line evaluations.

Formal evaluation of knowledge acquisition occurs with the in-service exam and the AKT test. An outline of learning objectives and goals with suggested topics of discussion are incorporated into the Neuroanesthesia syllabus. Though not all-inclusive, it serves as a guide to both resident and attending, to gauge progress. A list of clinical practice goals are also provided in the syllabus.