Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Anesthesiology, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring anesthesiologist.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Hot Topics, Concerns, and Future Directions in Anesthesiology
Step 2: Review Anesthesiology Match Data
In the 2024 NRMP Match, there were 2,000 positions at the PGY1 and PGY2 levels. Competing for these positions was a total of 3,034 applicants, meaning that over one third failed to match. U.S. allopathic medical students filled nearly 70% of the PGY-1 and PGY-2 residency spots. Osteopathic and international medical graduate applicants do not fare as well. In 2024, over 40% of these applicant groups failed to match into anesthesiology.
Anesthesiology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. MD 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of U.S. MD Seniors Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Anesthesiology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. DO 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of U.S. DO Seniors Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Anesthesiology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for IMGs 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of International Medical Graduates Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"Anesthesiology is not the most competitive field, but it has become a lot more competitive in recent years," writes the Ohio State University Department of Anesthesiology.
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in anesthesiology, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents.
We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Anesthesiology-2024 NRMP Program Director Survey
Charting Outcomes™: Program Director Survey Results, 2024 Main Residency Match®
Check out these other recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
The process of matching into the specialty and/or program of your choice begins well before it’s time to work on the residency application. Success is the culmination of many decisions and actions that take place over a period of several years.
Many medical students struggle to become strong residency applicants not because they are not talented or hardworking, but because they lack knowledge or guidance about the actions they should take to position themselves for future success.
Complicating matters even further is the rapidly changing landscape in residency admissions making it difficult for both residency applicants and mentors to stay well informed. A recent study showed that 75% of faculty advisors had advising concerns due to lack of knowledge of current practices or recent changes to the residency application.
As competition for positions in the anesthesiology residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to be an informed candidate who has the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." Fully updated in 2025 with over 1,000 pages of powerful information, the book is a must-have resource to help you stand out from the competition.
This book will empower you to become a stronger anesthesiology residency applicant. Inside, you'll find answers to the following questions and much more:
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What content are anesthesiology PDs looking for in a letter of recommendation and how can you help your letter writer include this information?
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What should be included in the anesthesiology personal statement to ensure higher ratings by application reviewers?
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What should your signaling strategy be in anesthesiology?
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What are the more common behavioral interview questions asked by anesthesiology residency faculty during interviews?
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Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
After Rupa Prasad, a medical student at the Miller School of Medicine and aspiring anesthesiologist, was selected out of a group of 250 applicants to attend the “Academy for Emerging Leaders in Patient Safety: The Telluride Experience," her medical school had this to say about her accomplishment. “At a time when patient safety is at the forefront of medical advancement, we are proud that Rupa will be representing the Miller School of Medicine at this prestigious meeting,” said Rick Melnyck, Assistant Vice President for Medical Affairs. “We anticipate that she will utilize this experience to continue to be a catalyst for change when she returns.”
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
Your USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX 1 exam scores are a major factor used by anesthesiology residency programs in the selection process. "Although we consider each application in its entirety, USMLE scores are often one of the earliest components of your application that we receive," writes the Mayo Clinic Department of Anesthesiology. In 2018, the mean USMLE Step 1 score among matched U.S. seniors was 232 and the mean COMLEX 1 score among matched osteopathic students was 571.
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observerships, and Externships
Grades in required or core clerkships are very important to anesthesiology residency programs. In a survey of anesthesiology residency programs, 84% cited "grades in required clerkships" as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. Anesthesiology rotations are also of obvious importance to international medical graduates seeking positions in the field.
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
A well-written application is crucial for match success. "Details matter - grammar, spelling, etc.," writes Dr. Catherine Kuhn, Vice Chair for Education and Program Director of the Duke University Anesthesiology Residency Program. "Anesthesiology is a detail-oriented specialty and small errors can be quite important."
In my experience working with applicants, errors are common in the ERAS Application. Although spelling and grammatical errors are frequently seen, equally common and dangerous are the less well-appreciated errors.
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.