Postgraduate Anesthesiology training: A comparison of the American and Norwegian models

Abstract

This master thesis takes a closer look at postgraduate anesthesiology training, specifically comparing the American and Norwegian models. In the first part of the thesis, both systems are described. The Norwegian system is currently under transformation and as such the new model is also discussed. A survey was undertaken in which anesthesiologists from both countries, who recently finished their program, answered questions specific to how they were trained and what skills they feel they have or have not adequately attained. The aim of the survey was to unearth similarities and differences of both education systems. The results are outlined in the body of the thesis. The important finding of this survey is that American anesthesia residents receive, in total, a more thorough training at the cost of reduced quality of work-life balance compared to Norwegian counterparts.The results of the survey are discussed in relation to the current literature.