Pre-anaesthesia residency requirements: what provides a solid foundation?

The specialty of anaesthesiology has expanded from the intra-operative management of the surgical patient undergoing an operative procedure to the perioperative management of patients undergoing procedures. The perioperative management involves the preoperative evaluation and preparation and also involves the postoperative management of the patient. To effectively perform these functions, a solid foundation in cardiology, pulmonary Medicine, critical care Medicine and pain medicine is mandatory. After completing the required courses in medical school, electives in these areas will prepare the student for further training in anaesthesiology.