Medical Students

Explore Anesthesiology at the University of Utah

Whether you're just starting to explore the field or preparing to apply for residency, our department offers high-quality clinical rotations, hands-on simulation training, and meaningful mentorship opportunities for medical students. We’re here to support your learning, help you build essential skills, and discover if anesthesiology is the right path for you.

Learn More About the U of U Anesthesiology Residency
University of Utah medical students, Cade Kartchner and James Potts, presenting at WARC with the support of our faculty. (2025)

Clerkships Offered

ANES 7040: Introduction to Anesthesiology

A two-week introductory course for University of Utah medical students.

  • Self-directed, competency-based curriculum.
  • Focus areas: Pre-op evaluation, airway management, intraoperative care, post-op pain control.
  • Includes: OR time, simulation labs, and IV placement training.
  • Format: Pass/Fail

ANES 7045: Visiting Student Elective

Two-week elective for visiting students from outside institutions.

  • Identical to 7050 but reserved for visiting students.
  • Must apply through VSAS.
  • Format: Graded (H/HP/P/F)

ANES 7050: Advanced Anesthesiology Elective

For students who have completed ANES 7040 and are pursuing anesthesiology as a career.

  • More advanced clinical and procedural training.
  • Simulation sessions in central lines, airway adjuncts, arterial lines, neuraxial anesthesia.
  • May be taken twice (second time is Pass/Fail with no test).
  • Format: Graded (H/HP/P/F)

ANES 7070: Management of Chronic Pain

A two-week elective for medical students interested in exploring pain medicine.

  • Understand pain and why it’s more than just a symptom.
  • Explore procedures like spinal injections and nerve blocks while building holistic treatment plans.
  • Collaborate with teams to treat pain with science and empathy across diverse patient cases.
  • Format: Pass/Fail

Resources for Medical Students

Whether you're preparing for your first anesthesia rotation or applying for residency, we’ve compiled study guides, recommended readings, topic lists, and mentorship opportunities to support your journey. Explore clinical concepts, sharpen your skills, and connect with mentors who can guide you along the way.

    Study Materials

    *Student & Resident Recommended

    Recommended Textbook Reading
    Core Topics to Review

    Pre-op Evaluation & Medications

    MAC/Sedation, PACU & Post-op Management

    Airway Management (basic & difficult)

    Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Geriatrics

    Anesthetic Monitoring

    Acute & Chronic Pain Management

    Pharmacology, CV/Pulmonary/CNS Disease

    Outpatient Surgery, Neuraxial Techniques

    IV Placement, Inhaled/IV Agents, Local Anesthetics

    		 Blood & Fluid Therapy

    Rotations & Mentorship

    Rotation Timing

    All anesthesia electives are two weeks in length and run from late July through May, except:

    • Thanksgiving Break
    • Last two weeks in December
    • First two weeks in May

    We do our best to accommodate students interested in completing back-to-back electives for a total of 4 weeks. 

    Away Rotation Support

    Students who qualify are encouraged to apply for the ASA Visiting Rotation Scholarship.

    Mentorship

    We encourage students to engage in mentorship at every stage of their anesthesiology journey.

    Become a Mentor (U of U MS4's Only)
    Become a Mentee (U of U SOM Applicants)
    U of U Medical Student, Dallan Carlson, teaching at Saturday Academy (2025).

    Annual Events & Opportunities

    Throughout the year, we host a variety of events to help medical students learn more about anesthesiology, connect with our faculty and residents, and get involved in community outreach.

    • Medical Student Anesthesiology Intro with Dr. Dorsey
    • MS2–3: Program Director Talk (March)
    • MS2–4: In-Person Panel Event + Program Director Talk (April @ HSEB)
    • MS4: Virtual Open House (ZOOM)
    • MS3-4: Volunteer at Saturday Academy  & ImagineU  to teach K–12 students about anesthesiology (April–June)

    These events are great opportunities to ask questions, explore the specialty, and build lasting mentorship connections.

    FAQ's

      What clerkships do you offer?
      • 7040 – Introductory (Pass/Fail)
      • 7045 – Visiting Students (H/HP/P/F)
      • 7050 – Advanced (H/HP/P/F; 2nd time is Pass/Fail only)
      • 7070 – Management of Chronic Pain (Pass/Fail)
      How long are the clerkships?

      All electives are 2 weeks. However, if space is available students can take two 2-week electives for a total of 4 weeks. We try to accommodate back to back rotations if possible.

      Can I do a sub-I?

      Yes. We will try to accommodate two rotations back-to-back for a 4 week rotation if possible.

      How can I prepare?

      Review course materials, Canvas instructions, and suggested readings. Come to the OR prepared with a learning topic, and knowledge of your patients.

      Should I do an away rotation?

      Away rotations are strongly recommended for exposure and mutual fit. Programs want you to be a good fit for them as much as you want to be for the program.