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By: Mitaire Erhieyovwe, Ross University School of Medicine
Attending the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Annual Meetings has been a pivotal experience in my journey toward becoming an anesthesiologist and has exceeded my expectations as a medical student. As someone who attended ASA in 2023 and again in 2024, I want to advocate for students to make it their mission to attend ASA 2025. Looking to pursue a future in anesthesiology? This conference provides a unique platform to network with residency programs, find mentors, explore cutting-edge technology, and connect with like-minded peers. For anyone aspiring to excel in anesthesiology, ASA is more than a conference, it’s an opportunity.
ASA is synonymous with innovation, and the 2024 conference did not disappoint. If you love technology and all things anesthesia, the ASA exhibit hall is a huge playground. Attendees were introduced to state-of-the-art anesthesia technology. From hands-on workshops using the latest simulation devices to exploring advancements in anesthesia safety and efficiency, I left the conference with a deeper understanding of the future of anesthesiology. As medical students, experiences like these help us to showcase our proactive interest in the field and our eagerness to embrace new technologies. The exhibit hall was a combination of educational and fun stationed areas. Not only was I able to practice my intubation and epidural skills, there was even a station where we could play with the most adorable puppies and a station where you could take a break & play the role of a race car driver. It was a fun time!
The conference provided an incredible platform for students to present medically challenging cases, case reports, quality improvement and research projects. Presenting my abstract and earning recognition for it was a rewarding experience that not only bolstered my CV but also built my confidence. For second and third year students, ASA is a golden opportunity to prepare and present work that demonstrates their dedication to the field. Also to connect with upperclassmen who can not only give their most recent life experiences as a senior in medical school, their take on the new Central Applications system now used to apply to residency and what they wish they had done or knew early on in their medical school career. As someone who is applying for the 2025-2026 cycle, I had the pleasure of connecting with fourth year students from all over the nation who can be a support system and guidance to me when it’s my turn to be in the hot seat of next year’s residency application and interview season. These are the people who will match before me and can give me direct access to what their residency programs are really all about and what they desire in a residency candidate. Afterall, these will be my colleagues who I will call on when I need help with my future patients or if I need to relocate and to find a position in another city. Additionally, these experiences become valuable talking points during residency interviews and are worthy of inclusion in letters of intent to update programs on recent accomplishments.
One of the most valuable aspects of ASA for a medical student is the Residency Open House. Students were flying in from all over the nation for just one day to attend. During this open house students have face-to-face time with programs on their radar. This event allowed direct interactions with residency programs I had been researching for months. Speaking directly with program coordinators, current residents, and other faculty gives us insights into each program’s culture, expectations, and opportunities. This personal interaction is invaluable, as it allows students to leave a memorable impression while gaining clarity on how to tailor their applications to align with specific program goals and to let them know their intentions of being a part of that program. For me, it was also a chance to ask burning questions about residency life, interview tips, how that specific program views an applicant to be competitive. Obtaining contact information for each program and sending follow up emails was key to solidifying that connection.
Networking at ASA is also an excellent opportunity to connect with mentors and fellow students. I had the privilege of meeting some of the anesthesia mentors and peers I had connected with virtually over the past year. By using social media platforms like Instagram, MedTwitter and Linkedin for the past year to build virtual interactions, ASA was my chance to meet them in person. This solidified these relationships and opened doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and guidance.
Additionally, it was gratifying to support colleagues who were nervous about presenting their projects for the first time. I found myself on the brink of anxiety before my own presentation but the support from friends and colleagues old and new, eased my mind and allowed me to know I was presenting to friends & the presentation would really just be like a conversation. We cheered each other on and shared tips to overcome nerves. This support and experience was unforgettable. The sense of community at ASA was a standout feature. Because of this I am able to collaborate with peers post-ASA who are equally passionate about anesthesiology. It brings a sense of belonging in what can sometimes feel like a solitary journey. Sharing our experiences, discussing the challenges of residency applications, and celebrating each other's accomplishments added a personal touch to the professional benefits of the conference. Even currently, I’ve been able to work on new research projects with these new colleagues. It’s been rewarding.
ASA isn’t just about general anesthesiology. It also highlights subspecialties that students can explore. For instance, I had the privilege of attending events hosted by the Evelyn E. Henley Anesthesia Societyand Women in Anesthesiology, where I was honored with an award for my abstract submission and presentation. These organizations provide students with additional avenues to network, gain exposure, and find mentorship. For students interested in areas like pediatric anesthesiology or critical care, ASA offers direct access to these communities and their respective conferences which took place during the same weekend and around the convention center where ASA was held. If you search for opportunities, there are plenty.
ASA 2024 was not just a conference; it was a thrilling experience. It allowed me to:
1. Build meaningful and impactful connections with residency programs.
2. Gain hands-on experiences with innovative anesthesia technologies.
3. Present my work, boosting my CV and confidence.
4. Meet mentors and peers in person, solidifying professional relationships.
5. Explore subspecialties, other organizations and additional networking opportunities.
6. Support and be supported by a community of future and current anesthesiologists.
For medical students, the ASA conference is more than just a line on a CV, it’s a gateway to growth, inspiration, and achievement. If you’re considering attending, prepare early by submitting your research, network virtually before the conference, and map out your goals for the conference. There were plenty of workshops and panel discussions that you can schedule early so you have a plan of what your time at the conference would look like.
ASA is just one step in standing out from the crowd, but it’s a vital one. As I reflect on my time at ASA, I am grateful for the knowledge gained, the relationships formed, and the confidence I’ve built. I can’t wait to see what ASA 2025 has in store!
Date of last update: January 6, 2025
