Dear Prospective Applicants,

Welcome, and thank you for considering the University of Kansas Anesthesiology Residency Program. As Chief Residents for the 2026–2027 academic year, we’re excited to share what makes our program a truly exceptional place to train.

At KU, you will train in a high-acuity, high-volume academic center that exposes you early and consistently to the full spectrum of anesthesiology. With hundreds of anesthetics performed daily and unique access to the region’s only Level I Trauma Center, comprehensive stroke center, NCI-designated cancer center, and complex burn unit, residents develop confidence managing both routine and highly complex cases.

Our training is intentionally structured to help you build both breadth and direction. Intern year provides a strong clinical foundation through internal medicine while introducing key perioperative concepts through rotations on our acute pain service, preoperative assessment clinic, and ICU months, which culminate in our hands-on Anesthesia Bootcamp. During this month, senior residents are paired with PGY-1 residents across different ORs, labor and delivery, and various other perioperative services to learn skills you’ll sharpen as your residency continues. You’ll rotate as a CA-1 through all major subspecialties, which will allow you to explore interests, build mentorship, or prepare for fellowship (if desired) well ahead of application season. Senior years focus on refining clinical judgment, further sub-specialty rotations, efficiency, and autonomy across our main campus and affiliated sites.

Education is a priority, and we aim to make it balanced to be meaningful and sustainable. Our curriculum blends case-based learning, simulation, and longitudinal board preparation with protected weekly didactic time and monthly half-days to build a foundation for success on the Basic, Advanced, and Applied exams. Monthly half-day lectures are built into the schedule as protected didactic time. The goal is simple: to graduate confident, capable anesthesiologists who are prepared for any career path.

Our department strongly encourages residents to seek out their individual academic interests. Elective rotations pursued by previous residents have included: Global Health experiences in Ghana, Peru, and Guatemala; serving as a Policy Research Scholar with the American Society of Anesthesiologists; participating in funded clinical or bench research; and participating on national committees with the ASA and the ACGME. We also have a broad array of options for elective experience including our ambulatory surgery centers (Indian Creek and KU MedWest). In addition, we provide strong institutional support for resident scholarly activity, including presentations at several academic conferences throughout the year and peer-reviewed scientific journal publications.

Of the highest importance is our culture. KU is a place where residents are supported, challenged, and genuinely enjoy working together. Autonomy increases appropriately throughout training, with faculty who are approachable, invested, and committed to your growth, both personally and professionally. Outside the hospital, residents spend time together regularly, taking advantage of everything Kansas City has to offer, from great food and professional sports, to an affordable, family-friendly lifestyle. Throughout the year, our residents get together outside of work for program-sponsored social events, however we often end up spending much more time together than just that! Please check out the rest of our website and our social media to learn more about the fun activities our residents have recently enjoyed together.

Our graduates pursue a wide range of paths, from private practice to competitive fellowships, and leave KU well-prepared for both.

Choosing a residency is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. We believe KU offers an outstanding balance of rigorous clinical training and a supportive, down-to-earth environment where you can truly thrive. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing more about our program.

Please feel free to reach out to us at aneschiefskc@kumc.edu with any questions.

Sincerely,

Zach Theiler, Nikki Ost, and Johnny Lawson
University of Kansas Anesthesiology Residency Chief Residents