Anesthesia Residency Frequently Asked Questions

Medical students interested in the Anesthesiology Residency program at IU School of Medicine can find information here about the application requirements. For the 2023 ERAS® cycle, our program will be collecting and reviewing data from applicants' supplemental ERAS applications. Completion of the standard MyERAS application is a requirement; completion of the supplemental ERAS application is optional. In its second year of use, the supplemental ERAS application is designed to help applicants share more information about themselves and assist our program in finding applicants that fit our program's setting and mission. There is no cost to applicants and participation is optional.

The supplemental ERAS application includes: geographic preferences (by division and by urban or rural setting);  information about an applicant's most meaningful experiences and other impactful life events, if applicable; and program signals. Of note, anesthesiology uses signals.

The supplemental ERAS application will be delivered via email to applicants with a unique URL that is separate from the MyERAS application and must be completed between August 1 and September 16, 2022.

Thalamus Guide to Signaling

AAMC supplemental ERAS application

How many positions do you offer?

The Department of Anesthesia fills 26 residency positions each year through the Match program: four categorical positions (PGY1-4) and 22 advanced positions (PGY2-4). The department receives more than 800 applications each year. The total program size is 80: typically four categorical positions and 22 advanced positions. The Residency Selection Committee evaluates various criteria during the invitation, interview, and ranking process. It is highly recommended that applicants apply for both categorical and advanced positions through ERAS. Interview offers are not based upon applications to a specific track.
Are there specific requirements for the clinical-based year?

The PGY1 Fundamental Clinical Skills (FCS) year includes at least six months of clinical rotations during which the resident has responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with a variety of medical and surgical problems, of which at most one month may involve the administration of anesthesia and one month of pain medicine. Acceptable FCS experiences include training in internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics/gynecology, neurology, or family medicine—or any combination of these as pre-approved for by the anesthesiology residency program director. Other rotations within the 12 months of broad education should be relevant to the practice of anesthesiology. Training as a fellow in a subspecialty program is not an acceptable FCS experience.

The Department of Anesthesia requests that the FCS year includes two months of Critical Care Medicine and one month of Emergency Medicine.
How do I apply?

The Department of Anesthesia accepts residency applications through ERAS, including an optional supplemental application.

Step 1 USMLE or COMLEX scores are required of all applicants. Step 2 CS may be completed after the application deadline. Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and of Step 2 CS is required prior to matriculation.

Find details on admission requirements and processes through the IU School of Medicine Office of Graduate Medical Education.
What is the application deadline?

The ERAS application, including all supporting documentation, including the personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and USMLE Step 1 results, should be completed by October 1. Applications completed after this time may be considered on a rolling basis if interview slots are still available. The earlier the application is finalized, the better.
When do you interview applicants?

Interviews are held roughly October through January. Dates vary each year.
We are couples matching. Is that allowed in your program?

Yes, the couples match is an option through ERAS.
What are the requirements for DO applicants?

DO candidates are encouraged to take the USMLE. However, individuals that provide only COMLEX scores are considered by the Department of Anesthesia.
What are the requirements for international medical graduates?

Requirements for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are available through the Office of Graduate Medical Education. Among other required qualifications, IMG applicants should have U.S. citizenship, be a permanent resident of the United States or have a J-1 Visa and have a permanent medical license for Indiana. Please note that H1-B Visas are typically not accepted, and F-1 Visas are not accepted by the Department of Anesthesia at IU School of Medicine.
Do you have observership positions available?

At this time, observership positions are not offered.
I submitted four letters of recommendation. Is that too many?

No problem. ERAS allows up to four letters of recommendation. The Department of Anesthesia considers a complete application to include three letters of recommendation. Four is fine.
Where can I get answers to other questions?

Please refer to the AMA Residency & Fellowship Database (FREIDA) for additional information. For details about the IU School of Medicine Anesthesia Residency program, contact Jennifer L. Stewart, DO by phone at 317-274-0275 or by email at anesres@iupui.edu.