HSS Anesthesia Medical Student Rotation
Course Title: Regional Anesthesia, Pharmacology, and Physiology for Orthopedic Surgery
Duration: 4 Weeks
The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Anesthesia Medical Student Rotation offers a comprehensive and immersive introduction to the practice of anesthesia within the nation’s leading orthopedic hospital. Designed for senior medical students seeking advanced perioperative experience, this four-week elective blends hands-on clinical training with a robust educational curriculum.
Clinical Experience
Students participate directly in patient care and gain extensive exposure to both regional and general anesthesia techniques used in orthopedic surgery. Under close, individualized supervision, students perform a wide range of essential procedures, including:
- Spinal anesthesia
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Peripheral IV placement
- Arterial line placement
- Endotracheal intubation
Students assist in the anesthetic management of complex orthopedic cases. This includes spine surgery, joint replacements, and a diverse array of orthopedic procedures—such as sports surgeries, trauma cases, and upper and lower extremity reconstructions. These experiences provide valuable insight into the planning, execution, and nuances of anesthesia in a high-acuity surgical environment.
Additional clinical exposure includes acute pain medicine consultations and postoperative management in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Step-Down Unit (SDU), and Orthopedic Special Care Unit (OSCU), where students learn to assess and care for seriously ill postoperative patients.
Didactic Curriculum
The rotation features a strong and structured educational program. Students participate in:
- Daily intraoperative teaching, guided by a structured “topic of the day” that reviews physiology, pharmacology, and key anesthetic management concepts.
- HSS Grand Rounds and departmental journal clubs, featuring contemporary discussions in perioperative medicine and regional anesthesia
- Weill Cornell resident anesthesia lectures, offering a broader academic foundation and integration with a major academic institution
This structured curriculum ensures that students gain not only procedural proficiency but also the theoretical understanding necessary for safe and effective anesthetic care.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the rotation, students will:
- Understand the principles of regional anesthesia and its application in orthopedic surgery
- Demonstrate competency in common anesthesia procedures under supervision
- Develop a foundational approach to managing acute perioperative pain
- Recognize and manage perioperative complications in high-acuity orthopedic patients
- Strengthen clinical reasoning through exposure to critically ill postoperative patient
This rotation offers an exceptional opportunity for medical students to develop practical skills, clinical judgment, and academic knowledge in a highly specialized surgical environment. It is ideal for those considering a career in anesthesiology or seeking a deeper understanding of perioperative care in orthopedic surgery.
What Medical Students Say About Rotating at HSS
- “This was one of my favorite rotations I've done in medical school. I had a brief 1-week introduction to anesthesia prior to this but throughout my month on this elective, I got to gain real hands-on exposure, improve some of my procedural skills, and learn directly from attendings who were all great teachers.”
- “I was so impressed with this rotation. The one-on-one opportunities with attendings is unique to HSS, and I am so grateful to have learned as much as I did because of this dynamic.”
- “I thought that the level of hands-on experience is unparalleled, and that is something that truly set this rotation apart from any other.”
- “This was a fantastic rotation that was very hands on. I learned about a ton of practical skills in the OR.”
- “I had a very educational experience especially using the PDF with daily topics and questions. I found it was very well written (concise, with great diagrams and images).”
- “Overall, I thought this was one of the best rotations I have had throughout medical school. The expectations were incredibly clear and the communication was the best I have experienced of any rotation. The daily curriculum was excellent. Also the opportunities for hands on experiences were amazing.”