Welcome to the Department of Anesthesiology at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center!
As the state’s only Level 1 trauma center, located in the beautiful Connecticut River Valley of New Hampshire, we have a catchment area serving nearly 2 million people and thus are exposed to impressively diverse cases and incredibly high acuity. In fact, we have one of the highest case-mix indexes in the country, and by the end of CA-2 year most of our residents have already completed their Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) minimum case requirements for graduation. Our residents become well-trained consultant anesthesiologists and succeed in a variety of post-graduate roles in private practice, academics, and competitive fellowships.
In addition to excellent training, resident wellness is a top priority of the department. Here you will be treated as a colleague by both your co-residents and attending physicians. Even on the toughest call days, our residents comment that they consistently feel like they are working among friends. We believe that our greatest strength is our faculty who are committed to their patients and passionate about the academic mission. Education is a priority and the program is responsive to our needs. We value excellence in clinical care and work together to continually improve the perioperative patient experience.
We are a medium-sized program. This ensures that all residents have access to challenging and rare cases and that their clinical experience is tailored to individual needs and professional aspirations. For example, numerous residents have taken and passed the Basic TEE Board exam and many graduates have gone on to do cardiac cases in private practice or matched in prestigious cardiac fellowships. Our regional anesthesia program is directed by world-renowned faculty in the specialty and our residents have ample opportunities to work in our regional block area. Starting as interns we spend time on the Acute Pain Medicine consult service, managing complex pain crises and gaining experience placing fluoroscopy-guided epidurals. We work closely with our labor & delivery colleagues to provide 24/7 resident coverage for obstetrical anesthesia, an experience in which we quickly gain autonomy. Most rotations are at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, although international or national electives are permitted in CA-3 year, if desired. A new, unique away rotation also allows CA-3s to work in Bennington, Vermont and experience private practice in a smaller, even more rural setting. Whatever your career goals are, you will receive the training you need in our program.
Beyond the outstanding training, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center is famous for its distinctive location. Access to outdoor activities is unparalleled and enthusiasts can easily find their sport of choice — there is even a great hiking and mountain biking trail right on the hospital campus! Between New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the Green Mountains of Vermont, we have an endless natural playground and it is not uncommon to hear residents, faculty, and staff chatting about their weekend adventures. Proximity to Dartmouth College affords this rural setting interesting cultural and artistic events. The Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth College attracts world-renowned artists throughout the year and our local professional theatre, the Northern Stage, offers a variety of productions. The area is wonderfully safe and family-friendly. We enjoy all 4 seasons and quintessential New England charm. With phenomenal fall foliage, excellent winter skiing, spring maple sugaring, and summer hiking, fishing, and swimming, you are sure to find something to do in your free time. When looking for a change in scenery, Boston, Montreal, Portland, and Burlington are all easy weekend trips and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport or Boston’s Logan International Airport are convenient launching points for travel.
We are very proud of our program. Congratulations on your choice to become an anesthesiologist. We wish you the very best in your search for a residency program that will be the best fit for you!
Sincerely,
Jennifer Godbout and Nicolas Cypro
Chief Residents in Anesthesiology, 2024-2025