Welcome to The Ohio State University's Department of Anesthesiology, "The Best Damn Residency In The Land" (TBDRITL)! 

Chief residents dressed in casual wear with arms around each other in front of a wall of plants.

Our program brings together the strengths of a large academic center with the feel of a close-knit community. With approximately 22 residents per class, you will train in a high-volume, resource-rich environment while being part of a group where people know, support, and look out for one another. From the start, residents are welcomed into the department through both formal and informal gatherings, mentorship assignments, as well as early rotations in anesthesiology-based services such as the CVICU, SICU, and Acute Pain Service. These experiences foster meaningful interactions with peers and faculty, helping to build lasting relationships and a strong sense of belonging that continues throughout residency. 

The majority of training occurs at The Ohio State University Medical Center, which includes the newly opened University Hospital Tower (2026), The James Cancer Center, The Ross Heart Hospital, and multiple other pavilions. Additional training sites include Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers, and a diverse network of OSU satellite and community sites. This breadth ensures exposure to a wide spectrum of patient populations and practice settings.  

The clinical experience at Ohio State is both rigorous and rewarding. Our patients often present with significant comorbidities, providing early and consistent exposure to high-acuity, high-complexity care. Additional experience is available through our robust moonlighting program, high-fidelity simulation sessions, and through several global health initiatives including Project Ear and No Pain Labor and Delivery. As a result, residents routinely meet ACGME case minimums by the end of CA2-year and graduate with the confidence, skillset, and versatility to excel in independent practice or pursue highly competitive fellowships. 

Equally important is the strength of our program leadership and faculty. Our administration is deeply invested in resident success and consistently advocates for resident education, well-being, and professional growth. Residents train alongside nationally recognized leaders, and those interested in research, quality improvement, enhanced recovery after surgery, or other areas will find strong mentorship and support to pursue their goals. 

Beyond the hospital, life in Columbus is vibrant, accessible, and easy to navigate. Most residents enjoy short, manageable commutes, and compared to larger metropolitan areas, traffic is refreshingly mild. Housing is also notably affordable. Roughly half of our residents choose to buy homes, while the other half rent, often in nearby neighborhoods with easy access to the medical center. Outside of work, residents take advantage of the city’s green spaces, including the beautiful Columbus Metro Parks, as well as a thriving food scene with local favorites like Northstar Cafe, The Pearl, and Fox in the Snow Cafe. The city also boasts an energetic sports culture anchored by The Ohio State Buckeyes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew, and Columbus Fury. 

We are proud to represent one of the nation’s leading anesthesiology residency programs and are especially excited to welcome the next generation of residents who will continue to shape its future. Feel free to reach out and thank you for considering our program! 

Emily Shannon, DO; Samantha Smith, MD; Courtney Vidovich, MD 
2026-2027 Chief Residents