International Specialists Program

Washington University School of Medicine’s Department of Anesthesiology is seeking highly motivated and exceptionally qualified anesthesiologists, critical care physicians, and pain medicine specialists to participate as visiting professors in our exciting International Specialist Program. Over the last 25 years, many leaders from around the world have spent time as visiting professors in our department. Their contributions to all our missions have been immense, and they have grown as academic leaders in our specialty.

Several international specialists have pursued long-term careers in the US and have taken on major roles in prestigious universities around the country, as well as in our own department, including as section heads, division chiefs, educational leaders, researchers, and as the chair of the department. Others have returned to senior roles in their home institutions, and some have been appointed to prominent chairs in countries like Canada, Austria, Switzerland, and Germany.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious; possesses outstanding clinical, educational, or research skills; is committed to a collaborative culture and a welcoming climate; and is motivated to further their academic career. Qualified applicants who have not completed USMLE examinations or ECFMG certification are eligible for participation in our International Specialist Program.

International Anesthesiologists function as faculty members – assistant, associate, or full professors – in the department. Their responsibilities include teaching and supervising trainees (e.g., residents, fellows, medical students, nurse anesthesia students), in our expansive and diverse patient care environment.  They also have protected time for academic projects in the areas of education, quality improvement, or clinical or basic science research. International Anesthesiologists also participate in the department’s education programs, including preparation of lectures, clinical conferences, journal clubs, or managing cases in the clinical simulation center.

The Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is one of the most successful and innovative academic anesthesiology departments in the US. We have a long and rich history of excellence in the multi-faceted missions of collaborative patient care, education, and research. Washington University represents a large tertiary care clinical practice for challenging patients across all specialties. The department is deeply committed to advancing the specialty of anesthesiology and improving perioperative outcomes through meaningful discovery. Consistently ranked among the top three anesthesiology departments in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the department is committed to fostering an environment for academic achievement.

The International Anesthesiologists’ Program offers:

• Advanced clinical experience and academic advancement
• Dedicated peer mentorship from a colleague with matching interests
• Competitive remuneration in the city with the highest cost-of-living adjusted compensation for physicians in the United States
• Generous moving expenses and a forgivable loan
• Protected time to support impactful non-clinical activities
• Exciting opportunities in research, education, finances, leadership, and change management
• Orientation to St. Louis culture, history, neighborhoods, food, and activities
• Mentoring and formal professional development programs in the Department, on our Campus, and in the graduate school
• Support for visa applications and Missouri medical license
• Family support, including accommodation options, childcare, and schooling
• Alternative Entry Pathway to American Board of Anesthesiology Certification

Recent Highlights and Accomplishments

Application

Interested candidates are encouraged to complete the application below and submit the following:

• a one-page cover letter detailing 1) alignment of this program toward academic career advancement, 2) goals/plans for academic time, 3) potential mentors/collaborators if known,
• curriculum vitae, and
• names and contact information of 3 references.

The “Gateway to the West” is a bustling metropolitan area of nearly 3 million people that retains the friendly character of the Midwest. The fun and culture of a big city are readily available, and living here is easy and affordable. St. Louis has the highest cost of living adjusted compensation for physicians of all cities in the United States.

In recent years, rapid development has brought new energy to the neighborhoods surrounding the Medical Campus. The Central West End and The Grove have become favorites for dining and entertainment, while the Cortex has emerged as a regional hub for technology and entrepreneurship.

Forest Park, located adjacent to the Medical Campus, is one of the nation’s largest urban parks. Home to St. Louis’ zoo, science center, art museum, and the Missouri Historical Society, the park also offers public tennis and golf courses, an outdoor ice rink, a 12-kilometer paved trail, picnic areas, athletic fields and a system of scenic lagoons and waterways.

St. Louis is a sports-minded city that enthusiastically supports St. Louis City soccer, Cardinals baseball, Blues hockey, and a number of semi-professional teams. Many other types of entertainment also are available. The Missouri Botanical Garden offers beautiful displays year-round. The Saint Louis Symphony is among the country’s best, and the city is home to

several first-rate theater companies. The historic Fox Theatre presents Broadway shows, dance performances and concerts. Blues, jazz and rock bands are hot attractions in local clubs, and a large outdoor venue draws major concerts.