Message from the Chairman

Welcome to the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Cincinnati! 
Since our inception in 1970, our department has grown exponentially in its educational, clinical, and research endeavors. We take great pride in offering a comprehensive residency program that encompasses a various array of experiences and teaching across all anesthesia subspecialties. In addition, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment amongst our faculty and staff, recognizing that diverse perspectives enrich our educational and clinical endeavors. Recently, we not only maintained our longstanding ACGME accreditation but also expanded our residency complement in each matriculating class. Our smaller residency classes foster a personalized approach to learning and mentorship tailored to the residents. Additionally, our program boasts ACGME-approved fellowships in pain management, cardiothoracic anesthesia, critical care, OB anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and regional anesthesia.

At the heart of our department's operations lies the University of Cincinnati Medical Center (UCMC), which stands as a beacon of excellence, housing nationally certified major adult burn treatment centers, the region's sole Level I Trauma Center, and robust solid organ transplantation programs. Our commitment to comprehensive care extends to West Chester Hospital, West Chester Ambulatory Surgical Center, Holmes Ambulatory Surgical Hospital, and the Lindner Center of Hope. In all these sites, we administer over 50,000 anesthetics annually across more than 55 anesthetic sites. 

Furthermore, our critical care medicine team manages patients across 40 beds in 3 separate ICUs and oversees all ECMO patients within our health system. Our Perioperative Medicine program, inclusive of outpatient preoperative clinics, inpatient consult teams, and innovative services like our Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) initiative, underscores our dedication to complex patient care and innovation.

Residents at UC benefit from unparalleled pediatric anesthesia training at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CHMC), ranked #1 in the nation among all Honor Roll hospitals by US News & World Report. With over 694 registered beds and more than 1.25 million patient encounters annually, CHMC is a premier institute of pediatric care, performing over 25,000 anesthetics and 5,000 pain consults each year. Our residents have the privilege of learning from internationally recognized anesthesia faculty who excel in areas such as premature infant care, fetal surgery, difficult airway management, and chronic pain conditions.

Our program continually evolves to meet the demands of the ever-changing healthcare landscape, ensuring our residents are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Recent expansion and partnership with community hospitals offer our residents opportunities for community-based healthcare rotations. Additionally, our international partnerships across the globe provide residents with the chance to participate in global health initiatives. These varied rotations, whether within our community-based or academic settings, help prepare our residents to become future leaders in the field.

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, Cincinnati offers a vibrant and dynamic cityscape, blending a rich history with modern amenities. From its thriving arts scene, professional sports culture and culinary delights to its scenic parks and bustling neighborhoods, Cincinnati provides an exciting backdrop for both work and leisure. Residents of our program explore all that this lively city has to offer while pursuing their professional goals.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our residency program. At the University of Cincinnati Department of Anesthesiology, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in anesthesiology and advancing the frontiers of patient care. Through state-of-the-art facilities, NIH-funded research initiatives, stellar clinical care and comprehensive didactic programs, the University of Cincinnati ensures residents receive unparalleled training that few programs can match. 

Stuart Bertsch, MD, MBA
Associate Professor and Interim Chair