The Anesthesiology Department offers a four-week rotation to fourth year medical students from Tufts and other medical schools approved by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM). We allow two medical students per month with preference given to Tufts Medical School students.

Maine Medical Center is a busy, 30-room OR that conducts 50 to 90 surgeries a day. Medical students are paired with a senior resident and attending anesthesiologist each day to experience a variety of surgical and anesthetic cases.

With the help of the Anesthesia staff and residents, medical students will become familiar and participate in the care of patients through all phases of anesthetic care from pre-operative patient evaluation and preparation for surgery to OR management, procedures and planning for post-operative analgesia.

During the 4 week rotation, medical students are expected to take part in the following “Core anesthesia experiences:” Students will observe or participate, under the supervision of a faculty member:

Furthermore, rotators should attempt the following during their month in the operating room under direct supervision:

Each day, medical students will engage in a discussion with the resident and attending covering a variety of topics including: 

A text book will be provided for the rotation. For additional texts and current journals, students have access to the department library. Students are expected to attend the Anesthesiology Grand Rounds each Thursday morning at 7:00 AM as well as the anesthesiology residents’ lectures series that takes place each Thursday morning at 8:00 AM. Students may also participate in Simulation sessions during their month if scheduled for further hands-on experience.

Students' clinical responsibilities are from Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM, unless arranged differently with the attending and/or resident anesthesiologist. No overnight call or weekend hours are expected. Students are not to miss more than 2 days during their rotation for interviews or other academic requirements. .

Professionalism is paramount in the operating environment. Students are expected to exhibit professional behavior with all staff.

Students are expected to give a brief presentation at the end of their rotation demonstrating knowledge of an anesthetic topic of their choosing.

Performance during the rotation will consist of a weighted average of your daily performance, preparation, professionalism and an end of rotation oral presentation.

Students who are interested in this clerkship should apply electronically through the VSLO System.

For specific questions about the rotation, contact Christopher Beeler, MD, Director of Medical Student Education in the Department of Anesthesiology at 207-662-2526 or Kristin Johnson, Program -Manager, Anesthesia Residency, at 207-662-4594.

Maine Medical Center 22 Bramhall St. Portland, ME 04102 207-662-0111

Maine Medical Center 22 Bramhall St. Portland, ME 04102 207-662-0111