Pre-Anesthetic Assessment Center

The Pre-anesthetic Assessment Center, located within the Admissions Department, evaluates patients scheduled for outpatient or same-day admission surgery. An attending anesthesiologist supervises the activities in the PAAC each day. Residents learn about the issues involved in pre-anesthetic evaluation including the identification of problems that need to be addressed prior to the day of surgery, the interpretation of pre-procedure laboratory and diagnostic tests, and the use of consultants to assure the proper preparation of patients for anesthesia and surgery. While on this rotation, the resident will interact with the other staff of this area including advanced practice nurses and physician's assistants. A suggested reading list of pertinent journal articles and textbook material is provided to assist the residents learning.