Clinical Training
The residency is divided into two parts: a clinical base year (PGY-1) and clinical anesthesia years (CA-1 through CA-3, which are equivalent to PGY-2 through PGY-4).

The three clinical anesthesia years (CA-1 through CA-3) include training in basic, advanced and subspecialty anesthesia, as well as opportunities to participate in research. Rotations vary in length between one and three months.

CA-1 and CA-2 Years
The first and second years of Clinical Anesthesia training (CA-1 and CA-2) consist of clinical rotations in all basic and subspecialty areas with increasing levels of responsibility as residents gain experience. The curriculum is outlined below:

CA-1 Basic Anesthesia Training

• Basic, General & Regional Anesthetic Techniques: 9.5 months
• Perioperative Anesthesia: 1 month
• Obstetric Anesthesia: 1 month
• Pre-operative Anesthesia Clinic: 0.5 month

CA-2 Advanced and Subspecialty Anesthesia Training

• Pain Clinic: 1 month
• Cardiovascular Anesthesia: 2 months
• Neuro Anesthesia: 2 months
• Obstetric Anesthesia: 1 months
• Pediatric Anesthesia: 2 months
• Otolaryngologic Anesthesia: 1 month
• STICU/CTICU: 2 months
• Outpatient Surgery: 1 month

CA-3 Year
The third year of clinical anesthesia training (CA-3) may be completed in one of three tracks as defined by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). These tracks are:

CA-3 Advanced Clinical Track
Residents choosing this track work in a variety of areas and are responsible for more complex and difficult anesthetic procedures and perioperative assignments. The length of each rotation is flexible and can be scheduled based on individual interests and need.  Residents also are required to do a mandatory regional anesthesia month during which they get experience in the placement of peripheral nerve blocks for operative procedures of both the upper and lower extremities.

CA-3 Subspecialty Clinical Track
The subspecialty clinical track can be selected for the CA-3 year. This consists of six months of additional training in one of the following subspecialties:

• Cardiovascular Anesthesia
• Neuro Anesthesia
• Obstetric Anesthesia
• Pain Medicine
• Pediatric Anesthesia

The remaining six months consist of advanced clinical rotations mentioned above including a month of Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE).

CA-3 Clinical Scientist Track
The clinical scientist track is offered at MUSC. It includes conduct of an in-depth laboratory during the CA-3 year in the field of Cardiac Anesthesia.