The clinical specialty of anesthesiology includes perioperative care of patients in operating/procedural rooms, intensive care units, and acute and chronic pain centers. This spectrum of clinical care lends itself to scientific investigation across many organ systems, age spans, and pathologies.
There is a need to develop physician scientists with diverse interests in basic science, clinical science, epidemiology, health administration, and policy. This has led to models of physician-scientist training programs (PSTP) within anesthesiology clinical residencies, the majority of which include opportunities for research-in-residency (RiR) programs.
Alongside PSTP and RiR programs within individual clinical residencies, the National Institute of Health supports research fellowship training through T32 training grants. The Early Stage Anesthesia Scholars (eSAS) also serves a growing community of aspiring physician scientists that could serve as a useful peer cohort group and includes a table of research-oriented anesthesiology residency programs.
Additionally, the development of physician scientists in anesthesiology is supported by numerous foundations and organizations that provide early-stage mentored research awards including The Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research and the International Anesthesia Research Society. The academic aspects of anesthesiology are further nurtured by national organizations and societies including the Association of University Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
Resources
T32 training grants
Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research
International Anesthesia Research Society
Association of University Anesthesiologists
Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation
American Society of Anesthesiologists