The curriculum is grounded on the principles of Adult Learning Theory. More specifically, the rotation follows the philosophy of experiential learning, for example, learning by experiencing, reflecting, and doing.

Additionally, the goals are directed to a general practitioner to get an appreciation of the multifaceted characteristic of Anesthesia, which includes pieces of knowledge from various disciplines.

Considering that patients with all sorts of comorbidities may require surgical treatment, natural integration occurs with virtually all specialties.

The principles of the challenge point framework are also followed during the Anesthesia rotation. The first two days are dedicated to academic sessions related to core knowledge required prior to clinical exposure, but in a highly-supervised fashion as students are exposed to theatre-based simulation exercise. Although the challenge point framework typically suggests that gradual progression in difficulty would culminate with a real clinical situation, for anesthesia clerks, the simulation is more challenging as they act without clinical supervision and are responsible for the entirety of care of the patient. Only then can they see the outcomes of their actions or interactions.

The AFMC 2015 Graduation Questionnaire shows that approximately 85% of McMaster students are satisfied with their educational experience in Anesthesia.

Rotation Objectives

• To acquire an appreciation of the multifaceted discipline of Anesthesia
• To gain an understanding of the clinical application of physiology and pharmacology to patients of all ages
• To acquire the basic practical skills of airway and circulatory management

For McMaster students looking for more information about the rotation, please visit the Anesthesia clerkship page on Medportal.

Students will also learn about the systematic effects of anesthetic drugs, as well as airway, fluid, and pain management in the perioperative period. There may also be opportunities to be exposed to obstetrical, pediatric, and regional anesthesia.

Block electives are two weeks in duration. Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we are unable to accommodate clinical electives longer than two weeks. Occasionally, one-week electives will be permitted. Requests typically need to be made several months in advance as spots fill up quickly.

It is important to highlight that electives in Anesthesia are not offered only in Hamilton. Please visit the Mac-CARE Program website for elective opportunities in the distributed campuses.

McMaster Students

Requests are made via MedSIS

Prior to placing your request, we recommend that you visit the Anesthesia Clerkship page on Medportal for more information.

Visiting Students
Requests are made via the AFMC Student Portal

Visiting students should be aware that requests are not made directly to our department. After a request is made via the AFMC portal, the Undergraduate Electives office will process it. Only after their initial processing requests are forwarded to us, depending on availability, we will accept or deny the request.

For more information, please visit here, or contact the Undergraduate Electives Office at mdelect@mcmaster.ca