Interested in observing our experts in Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine? Take a look at some of the educational opportunities available in this specialty. Please review our eligibility criteria before applying to one of the programs listed below.

The Anesthesiology and PeriOperative Medicine Program in the department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine is accepting observers interested in learning the day to day clinical roles of the perioperative physician including:

• Objectives of the preoperative assessment, intraoperative management (airway management, invasive lines & monitors, and regional anesthesia).
• Dynamic multidisciplinary team communication that occurs amongst providers for the coordination of care for complex oncologic patient population. 
• The role perioperative physicians play in the postoperative care of patients given the multiple challenging postoperative needs of the oncologic patients.

Department
Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine

Type of Observer Experience
Clinical

Learning Objectives
The observers will shadow the perioperative physicians in the anesthesiology assessment center, operating rooms, intensive care unit and attend weekly grand rounds and scheduled didactic lectures. The observer should become intimately familiar with the elements of preoperative anesthesia assessment, intraopeartive management (airway management, invasive lines, intraoperative ultrasound, regional anesthesia, blood management. Lastly, the observer will learn facets of ventilation strategy of those patients requiring postoperative intensive care. 

Program Fees
All professional applicants are subject to pay an Education & Training administrative fee. Please refer to the main Observer Programs page for more information about the fees and the institution’s application process.

Department Fee: $500 per week
Please note these fees are in addition to the administrative fee charged to all professional applicants.

Contact
Monique Rodriguez
Program Coordinator, Education
Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Management
mjvaldez@mdanderson.org

The Oncologic Critical Care Observers Program (OnCCO) in the department of Critical Care is accepting observers interested in gaining knowledge and skills in the field of intensive medicine. The program offers a comprehensive immersion into the world of high-complexity healthcare and is designed to provide holistic training to future medical professionals.

During their rotation in the program, participants will have the opportunity to work alongside a team of highly trained and dedicated physicians and specialists who will guide them every step of the way. Through observation and discussion of the healthcare challenges encountered in daily activities, students and residents will learn to manage critical situations, evaluate patients in emergency states, and make crucial medical decisions.

The OnCCO program offers a wide range of opportunities to acquire essential knowledge and skills in the intensive medicine domain. Participants will have access to advanced medical technology, simulation laboratories, and real clinical cases to strengthen their understanding and practical abilities. Moreover, they will have the chance to engage in academic discussions, attend conferences, and participate in educational sessions to enrich their theoretical knowledge.

The multidisciplinary and highly collaborative team allows students and residents to work closely with specialists from various fields such as internal medicine, anesthesiology, and surgery. They will also have the opportunity to interact with Advance Practice Providers of diverse backgrounds and critical care trained nurses. This interdisciplinary collaboration will provide them with a more comprehensive and holistic perspective on caring for critically ill patients. 

Department
Critical Care

Type of Observer Experience
Clinical and Research/Laboratory 

Learning Objectives
By achieving these objectives, the Oncologic Critical Care Observership Program seeks to enhance competence and empathy in the healthcare professional to deliver high-quality care to critically ill patients while contributing to the advancement of critical care medicine.

• Knowledge Acquisition: The program aims to provide medical students and residents with a comprehensive understanding of critical care medicine. Participants will learn about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of critical illnesses, including respiratory failure, sepsis, cardiac emergencies, and neurological disorders.
• Clinical Skills Development: Participants will gain knowledge in managing critically ill patients under the guidance of experienced physicians and specialists.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program emphasizes the importance of teamwork and effective communication in critical care settings. Participants will work closely with professionals from various disciplines, including nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive and patient-centered care.
• Decision-Making and Critical Thinking: Participants will be exposed to complex and rapidly changing clinical scenarios, challenging them to think critically and make sound medical decisions under pressure. They will learn to prioritize tasks, manage competing demands, and adapt their approach to individual patient needs.
• Professionalism and Empathy: The program aims to cultivate professionalism, empathy, and compassionate care among participants. They will learn to communicate effectively with patients and their families, provide emotional support, and address end-of-life issues with sensitivity and respect.

Program Fees
All professional applicants are subject to pay an Education & Training administrative fee. Please refer to the main Observer Programs page for more information about the fees and the institution’s application process.

Department Fee: $500 per week
Please note these fees are in addition to the administrative fee charged to all professional applicants.

Contact
Monique Rodriguez
Program Coordinator, Education
Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Management
mjvaldez@mdanderson.org

The Pain Medicine Observer Program in the department of Pain Medicine is accepting observers interested in learning a wealth of knowledge about the treatment and management of pain in cancer patients, as well as insights into the medical field, patient care, and the impact of cancer on individual lives. Given the nature of the work, this learning experience can be quite intensive. However, it is also filled with opportunities to learn about compassion, empathy, medical excellence, and teamwork in healthcare. Here are some specific things an observer may learn:

• Understanding of Cancer-Related Pain: Cancer can cause significant pain directly through tumor growth and indirectly through treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. The observer will learn about different types of cancer pain, their causes, and their effects on the patient's quality of life.
• Pain Assessment Techniques: Assessing pain in cancer patients can be complex due to its subjective nature and can vary significantly among patients. The observer can learn how to use pain scales, patient interviews, and medical history reviews to assess pain levels accurately.
• Pain Management Strategies: This will include learning about different pain management options such as medications (from over-the-counter drugs to opioids), non-drug therapies (like physical therapy, acupuncture, psychological therapies), and interventional procedures (nerve blocks, spinal injections, etc). The observer will also learn about balancing pain relief with side effects and the risk of addiction.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Cancer pain management often requires a team of professionals, including oncologists, pain specialists, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. Observing this teamwork in action will provide insights into the roles and collaboration of different healthcare professionals.
  
• Personalized Care: Every patient and their pain and response to treatment are different. Personalized care is an essential aspect of cancer pain management. The observer can learn about how clinicians adapt their approach based on each patient's individual needs and preferences.
• Patient-Doctor Communication: Good communication is critical for effective pain management. The observer will get the chance to observe how doctors understandably explain complex medical terms, empathize with patients, and involve patients in decision-making about their treatment.
  Research and Innovation: The observer might gain insights into ongoing research projects, clinical trials, or the introduction of innovative approaches to cancer pain management at the clinic.
• Ethical Considerations: In situations where strong painkillers like opioids are prescribed, the observer will learn about the ethical considerations involved in ensuring these drugs are used responsibly to prevent misuse or addiction.
• Administrative and Management Aspects: Beyond patient care, an observer might also learn about the administrative and management aspects of running a clinic, such as record-keeping, appointment scheduling, and healthcare regulations.
  

Department
Pain Medicine

Type of Observer Experience
Clinical and Research/Laboratory

Learning Objectives
By engaging in these activities and achieving these objectives, observers will gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of
managing pain in cancer patients, enhancing their knowledge and practical skills.

• Clinical Rounds: Understand the process and purpose of clinical rounds. Gain insight into the patient assessment process, interdisciplinary communication, and the decision-making processes for patient care.
  Activities: Shadow physicians, nurses, and other team members during rounds. Observe and participate in discussions about patients' conditions, treatment plans, and pain management strategies.
  Expected Outcomes: Improve communication skills and increase understanding of multidisciplinary patient care. Gain knowledge about various pain management strategies and their application in real clinical situations.
• Patient Interviews: Learn to elicit a detailed and relevant history from patients, understand the patient's perspective, and communicate effectively with patients.
  Activities: Observe and possibly assist in conducting patient interviews. Understand how to ask sensitive questions about pain and its effects on the patient's life.
  Expected Outcomes: Develop improved communication skills and patient empathy. Understand how to gather crucial information about pain from patient interviews.
• Surgical Observations: Understand the role of interventional procedures in cancer pain management.
  Activities: Watch procedures such as nerve blocks or spinal injections. Understand the indications, contraindications, and possible complications.
  Expected Outcomes: Gain knowledge about when and how surgical interventions are used in pain management.
• Didactic Sessions/Lectures: Gain theoretical knowledge about cancer-related pain, its mechanisms, and management strategies. Understand the role of different drugs and non-pharmacological treatments in pain management.
  Activities: Attend lectures and seminars given by pain specialists and other healthcare professionals.
  Expected Outcomes: Develop a solid theoretical foundation on cancer pain and its management.
• Case Discussions: Apply theoretical knowledge to real-life clinical cases. Develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
  Activities: Participate in case discussions and possibly present a patient case, explaining the patient's condition, pain management plan, and any challenges encountered.
  Expected Outcomes: Enhance understanding of practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Improve problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Research Meetings: Understand current research and innovations in cancer pain management.
  Activities: Attend research meetings where ongoing studies or recent advancements are discussed.
  Expected Outcomes: Stay updated with the latest research and learn to appreciate the role of research in improving patient care.
• Ethics Discussions: Understand the ethical considerations involved in cancer pain management, such as responsible use of opioids.
  Activities: Participate in discussions about ethical cases or dilemmas.
  Expected Outcomes: Develop a better understanding of ethical considerations in pain management and learn how to approach ethical dilemmas.

Additional Requirements
Applications must be submitted 60 days prior to rotation.

Program Fees
All professional applicants are subject to pay an Education & Training administrative fee. Please refer to the main Observer Programs page for more information about the fees and the institution’s application process.

Department Fee: $500 per week
Please note these fees are in addition to the administrative fee charged to all professional applicants.

Contact
Monique Rodriguez
Program Coordinator, Education
Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Management
mjvaldez@mdanderson.org