A message from Our Chief Residents

Welcome to the Stanford University Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine! This is Hannah, Olivia, Karen, and Alex (colloquially referred to around here as “HOKA”) — the four “Stanesthesia” chief residents this year. It’s great to e-meet you! Whether you’re a medical student, prelim year resident, or any other kind of resident (or even a non-anesthesia attending!) who can’t stop thinking about that anesthesia life, we’re here to answer questions and help you dream up your future as an anesthesiology resident at Stanford!

So, let’s cut to the chase. What you need to know above all else is that the true gems of our program are the people. The attendings at Stanford are not only wicked smart but also humble and approachable. One moment they’re quizzing you, oral board’s style, and the next they’re handing over their attending badge to let you grab a snack from the attending lounge (maybe keep that one a secret). Your co-residents are devoted to their patients and to each other. When they’re not popping into your OR to see if you need help settling in a case, they’re in our resident-only “gas lounge” listening to you vent after a tough day. They also throw some cool pool parties and casino nights, come see for yourself.

You will of course work hard and take care of very sick patients as a resident here at Stanford. We wouldn’t have it any other way! It’s the myriad experiences across diverse patient populations, medical comorbidities, rotation sites, and staff that will make you into the clinically strong and sought-after anesthesiologist you aspire to be. We are so thankful for the amazing training we receive ranging from liver and heart transplants to premature neonates to veterans to healthy outpatients. We know that this breadth will enable us – and you – to adapt to any work environment moving forward.

For those of you who have passions extending beyond the operating room, we believe that Stanford is the perfect home for you! Here, we engage in cutting edge research and academic pursuits spanning biodesign, simulation, medical education, global health, advocacy, and clinical and basic sciences. Our recently developed Anesthesia Leadership Pathways at Stanford (ALPS) support resident interests through lecture series and protected time for you to advance your career as you see fit. 

We wish you the best of luck in the application process to come and cannot wait to meet those of you who interview with us this fall!

Hope to see you soon!
HOKA

Hannah Rasmussen, Olivia Sonderman, Karen O’Laco & Alex Wright
Stanford Anesthesiology Chief Residents 2024-2025