What to Expect

This chapter describes the process of orientation for the incoming clinical anesthesia year 1 (CA-1) resident. It highlights information to seek out during the orientation period and discusses the mentor or preceptor programs now integrated by multiple academic institutions. Furthermore, it suggests how to obtain and organize a patient’s preoperative information to present it to the attending anesthesiologist. This chapter also touches on the basics of the Anesthesia Knowledge Test and In-Training Examination administered to anesthesia residents nationwide. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of a team-based approach to perioperative patient care and the consultant role of the anesthesiologist.