Baylor residents have the unique opportunity to rotate at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, one of the largest and most renowned VA centers in the country. Whether or not you choose to practice in a VA setting later, this experience is invaluable, offering insights into a distinctive healthcare system and patient population that few get to explore.
At the VA, we complete rotations in general OR, cardiac anesthesia, and regional anesthesia. With only 2-4 residents at the VA each month, you’ll often be prioritized for the most educational cases, ensuring a rich learning experience.
The schedule for OR rotations is fairly consistent. Residents typically arrive between 6:00-6:15 a.m., change into VA scrubs, and begin setting up the OR. This involves performing a machine check, drawing medications, and retrieving narcotics from the central Omnicell. For more complex cases, such as neuro or cardiac, setting up infusions may require an earlier start, but the OR is usually ready by 6:50 a.m. You’ll then greet the patient in the pre-op area, conduct a same-day assessment and physical exam, and review the anesthetic plan. The process is streamlined since most veterans have already been consented for anesthesia in the pre-op clinic. After placing necessary lines (e.g., PIV, arterial lines), the patient is taken to the OR for a sharp 7:30 a.m. start time.
Case turnover varies by rotation. For example, an orthopedic room might handle 3-4 cases per day, while a neuro or cardiac room typically schedules 1-2 cases. Most rooms finish between 3 and 4 p.m., after which residents pre-op for the next day’s cases before heading home.
While rotating at the VA can be challenging initially due to their unique EMR and intra-operative recording system, you’ll quickly find it becomes straightforward. During my first rotation as a CA1 at the VA, I was impressed by the diversity of cases, the excellent teaching from our anesthesia attendings, and how well-resourced the operating rooms are, making it easier to deliver top-quality care. But above all, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that you’re providing care for our nation’s veterans.
