Practitioner adjusts the drip on an I.V.
Keck School of Medicine of USC

Department of Anesthesiology

Are You a Patient?

Where Precision Medicine Propels Patient Safety

For more than a century, the Department of Anesthesiology has advanced the art and science of the field of anesthesiology. We administer more than 30,000 cases across 66 sites and 40 ICU beds. Our research spans clinical and operating rooms, patient safety, health systems delivery, and more.

We run two ACGME-accredited residency programs, with training at Keck Medical Center of USC and Los Angeles General Medical Center. Graduate training also includes a nurse anesthesia program and fellowships in critical care medicine, cardiothoracic anesthesiology, pain medicine, and regional anesthesiology.

The department is home to the Vladimir Zelman, MD, PhD Center for Distance Education, Learning and Science, which provides evidence-based medicine mentorship to trainees at every level.

Message from the Chair

We are committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care while continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our field.

Earl Strum, MD, MMM, Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology
Photo of Earl Strum Chair of Anesthesiology Department

Residency Programs

The Department of Anesthesiology is excited to announce the new Keck School of Medicine of USC Anesthesiology Residency Program.  This is a new ACGME-approved program as of December 2024.

The Department now offers two anesthesiology residencies:

  • Keck School of Medicine of USC Anesthesiology Residency Program *New as of December 2024
  • Los Angeles General + USC Anesthesiology Residency Program
Explore our Residency Programs

Keck School of Medicine of USC Anesthesiology Residency Program

*New as of December 2024* Primary facility based out of Keck Medical Center of USC

Los Angeles General Medical Center + USC Anesthesiology Residency Program

Primary facility based out of Los Angeles General Medical Center

Research

USC’s legacy in anesthesiology research goes back a century. Today, we team up with colleagues to more effectively address patients’ pain, improve critical care outcomes and reduce anesthesia risk. With eyes on the future, we have developed rigorous OR-based sustainability initiatives recognized by our peers.

Learn more about our Research
Three Physicians consult

Training & Education

The Department of Anesthesiology provides excellent educational opportunities for members of our medical profession, whether they are anesthesiologists, faculty CRNAs, residents, SRNAs or medical students.

Explore our Training & Education Programs

Residency Programs

Our residents train in extraordinarily rich clinical environments, working closely with mentors serving quaternary care patients at Keck Medicine, the underserved at L.A. General and the pediatric patients at CHLA.

Clinical Fellowships

Fellows learn elbow-to-elbow with distinguished experts in an array of subspecialties. Our fellows get the breadth of experience available in only a few settings nationwide.

Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Program

Our training for SRNAs has uncommon breadth. With numerous affiliated sites, from L.A. General and Keck medical centers to community clinics, you’ll graduate ready to succeed in any setting.

Medical Students

Rotations and clerkships introduce learners to the art and science of anesthesiology. We focus on preparing students for residencies and providing perspective that enhances any medical career.

Distance Learning

Through the Zelman Center for Distance Learning, USC anesthesiologists influence care around the world with education for every level of trainee and practitioner.

Simulation Center

Be ready for the most challenging cases, without the risk. Our trainees equip themselves for even the rarest OR scenarios using state-of-the-art simulators.

Patient Care

Our seasoned professionals are devoted to protecting patients’ safety and well-being, in a service integrated throughout USC clinical care. We are quick to embrace progress, such as our broad adoption of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols that lower risk for opioid dependency and speed recovery.

Learn more about our Patient Care Services
Physician touches the back of a patient in a smock

Facts & Figures

5,820

pain procedures and blocks for post-op pain annually

30,000+

cases annually at 66 anesthesia sites

40

ICU beds covered by the department

Support Us

Financial donations to the department’s educational and research funds help us advance the field of anesthesiology.

Give Now