The Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care at the University of Pennsylvania is steeped in a long tradition of patient care, education, and research.

Welcome to Penn Medicine 

Head shot of Jesse KieferA warm welcome to the University of Pennsylvania Anesthesiology Residency Program!

Our Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care was founded over 75 years ago by Robert Dunning Dripps. Through this time, our department has helped shape the field of anesthesiology as one of the early academic anesthesiology departments and one of the premier residency programs. We strive not only to maintain this reputation but to continue growing and innovating within our specialty with an eye toward the future.

As a residency program, we are committed to fostering an environment where every resident can achieve their potential, finding their place within our specialty. We achieve this by employing modern learning theories surrounding adult education, providing a clinical experience across three nationally ranked hospitals, and most importantly by viewing our residents as colleagues and learners. This ensures that when our residents graduate not only are they ready to practice independently as competent and skilled anesthesiologists but they are true consultants within our specialty, who are well suited as future colleagues.

As Program Director, I am honored and proud to be a part of this legacy and future. Our education team is committed to a culture of empathy, growth, mutual respect, professionalism, and shared responsibility throughout the residency experience. Our job is to ensure your success throughout your residency. In addition to readily achieving case and rotation requirements, our residents continually have experiences that mimic the many roles our faculty and specialty at large perform on a daily basis in practice. Whether your goal is to become an expert clinician, healthcare leader, master educator, or principal investigator, our program will help you achieve this goal throughout your Graduate Medical Education journey.

Jesse Kiefer, MD, MSED
Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology & Critical Care
Anesthesiology Residency Program Director

Chief Resident Welcome

Welcome! We appreciate your interest in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Our program provides a phenomenal training environment, and we would love to share with you the many exciting aspects of our residency!

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) is one of the leading academic medical centers in the country and we are privileged to care for a diverse patient population, many of whom travel from around the globe to seek care at HUP. Penn is renowned for its robust transplant program, cardiothoracic surgery hub, trauma exposure, and critical care. We excel in the area of neuroanesthesia, high-risk obstetrics, interventional pain procedures, and regional anesthesia. Furthermore, Penn's unique relationship with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia allows residents to gain world-class pediatric anesthesiology experience during their training. The clinical experience you will get here is unparalleled and you will leave a highly capable and skilled anesthesiologist. As a resident, you will receive high-volume exposure to a wide variety of cutting-edge surgical procedures and anesthetic techniques. This is all with the purpose of ensuring you will be well-prepared to tackle any clinical situation in future practice.

A top priority for the program is to maintain an environment that focuses on inclusivity, teamwork, and inquiry. Our faculty and residents are incredibly diverse, and many have had previous careers or possess unique skills that are invaluable contributions to your training. Our multifaceted educational program features intraoperative teaching, simulation workshops, frequent written and oral board reviews, case presentations, and protected time for traditional lecture-based didactics. Our program produces exceptional clinicians and leaders in the field of anesthesiology, as well as leaders in perioperative care, basic and clinical research, and quality improvement. Many residents are involved in research and scientific writing, while others take major roles in quality improvement, education, or systems-level management. Graduates go on to match in every available fellowship at prestigious institutions across the country or secure their ideal private practice job, utilizing Penn's well known and vast network of alumni.

There is so much more to our program than just the educational experience we offer. Our program and departmental leadership place a high priority on resident wellness. There will be plenty of time for you to explore Philadelphia! It is an incredibly vibrant and diverse city with a rich history, bustling arts scene, amazing food and dining, and passion for sports. For nature lovers, the countryside, mountains, or beaches are just a short drive away. Department-sponsored happy hours, social events, and outings give us an opportunity to experience the city with our co-residents. In addition, Philadelphia has a reasonable cost of living and remains one of the most affordable major cities on the East Coast.

We are so excited that you are considering our program and hope to meet you soon! Please reach out to us if you have any questions.

2025 resident chiefs 

Emily Mapelli, MD,
Edward Ford, MD
Cole Rinehart, MD

 

  • How to Apply

    If you are interested in our residency program, this section will provide you with all of the necessary information to apply.

  • Residents

    Our residency program is made up of individuals who bring an amazing array of experiences to their work.

  • Program Overview

    Penn offers both Categorical and Advanced track residency spots through ERAS. Each residency class generally consists of 24 residents, 20 of which are categorical positions.

  • About our Graduates

    Our residency program graduates go on to practice or complete fellowships at several health systems across the country.

  • Benefits and Stipends

    Our program offers a generous benefit and stipend package.

  • Philadelphia

    Philadelphia is a vibrant and dynamic city with a lot to offer visitors and residents.

  • Campus

    Penn's medical campus resides in an urban setting in the University City neighborhood of Philadelphia.

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