The Department of Anesthesiology was established in 1962 along with the rest of the College of Medicine of the University of Kentucky. It consists of approximately forty-four full time physician faculty members, one psychologist, two research scientists, two pain fellows, twenty nurse anesthetists, and forty-two residents. There are also approximately eleven registered nurses working on the acute and chronic painservices. Divisions in the department include Acute Pain, Chronic Pain, Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Obstetrical Anesthesia, Neuroanesthesia, Ambulatory Anesthesia, and Pediatric Anesthesia.

Residency is probably the single most important aspect of professional training. Undergraduate education teaches critical thinking and some fundamental scientific concepts; graduate medical education provides greater depth for these scientific principles as well as teaching the humanistic aspect of medicine. Residency will provide the necessary training to acquire skills and a greater depth of knowledge in areas relevant to the chosen specialty. No matter what your direction upon completion of residency, it is imperative that clinical excellence be the primary objective of your postgraduate medical education. Whether you intend to pursue a career in private practice, research, teaching, or administration, clinical skills are paramount. Virtually every physician is judged first and foremost on clinical capabilities – the assumption is that someone who is good clinician can become a good researcher, teacher or administrator.