Residency

Anesthesiology Residency Training

At the University of Colorado Department of Anesthesiology Residency Program, our greatest strength lies in our people and our culture. Our dedicated faculty, including our Vice Chair of Education, Dr. Anthony Oliva, our Residency Director Dr. Rachel Kacmar, and Associate Residency Director, Dr. Mario Villasenor are deeply committed to mentoring and fostering the success of each resident. Many of our graduates choose to stay on as fellows and attendings, a testament to the supportive and collaborative environment we cultivate.

Our program stands out for its comprehensive approach to wellness and resident development. We prioritize a nurturing culture where residents form deep bonds with one another and our faculty. We believe in recruiting compassionate individuals with high character, ensuring a community of support and shared commitment to excellence. Wellness is a cornerstone of our training, with a curriculum threaded throughout the residency timeline, with dedicated resources available for annual retreats and activities that promote resident well-being.

Our residents receive elite clinical training at top-tier facilities, including University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) but also spend time at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO), Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and Denver Health Medical Center (DHMC).  Each site offers unique learning opportunities, with UCH and CHCO routinely ranked among the top hospitals nationally. The Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, where UCH, CHCO, and VAMC are located, is a hub of medical innovation, education and research.

We are also proud to offer specialized programs that enhance our residency training:

• Combined Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine Track (CCAM): This innovative program combines residency training in Anesthesiology with fellowship training in Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine. We offer two positions yearly for this prestigious program.
• Research Track: Our Resident Research Track is designed for trainees aiming for a research-focused career, potentially leading to a T32 fellowship or a career as a clinician-scientist.
• Global Health Elective: Open to three residents in their CA-2 year, this elective provides the opportunity to gain valuable experience in global health settings.

Our commitment to excellence, combined with a culture of support and innovation, makes the University of Colorado Anesthesiology Residency Program a top choice for aspiring anesthesiologists. Here, we are not just a program; we are a family. Join us and take the next step in your medical career with unparalleled training and support.
Discover more about our program and how you can become part of our exceptional community.

Click on the buttons below to learn more.

Learn more about our program from Dr. Tony Oliva, former program director.

Learn more about our residency program from Kenji Tanabe, MD who was a resident and is now a faculty member.

Vision Statement

The Department of Anesthesiology aspires to leverage the transformative power of diversity and equity through comprehensive, systematic, and sustainable programs including mentorship, faculty and trainee recruitment, research, and community engagement for the advancement of excellence in healthcare, medical education, health equity, and professional development of community members.

Tara Boyle  (she/her/hers)

Caroline Dockerty