Letter from the Chief Resident

Welcome to the Kaweah Health Anesthesiology Residency Program! We are excited that you are interested in our program and are happy to highlight all the amazing aspects of our residency!

Kaweah Health operates as one of the only hospitals spanning several cities, making our hospital the primary care site for Tulare County. Although we are a Level III trauma center, we have over 600 beds and see acute critical trauma that requires immediate on-site stabilization. As an anesthesiology resident, you are responsible for providing trauma resuscitation, initiating massive transfusion protocol, establishing airway/venous/arterial access, and securing hemodynamic stability. Our unique geographic location and patient population provides tremendous clinical exposure to a variety of complex, uncommon, and advanced pathologic conditions. During free time or didactics, we have an extensive medical simulation lab that offers great exposure to transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography, neuraxial procedures, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and many others.

Accompanying our robust clinical exposure, our residency fosters a friendly, compassionate, and intelligent environment of residents and faculty for which we take great pride in. Our anesthesia family is welcoming, encouraging, and provides a strong support system at and away from work. One of our program strengths is our closeness and camaraderie as an anesthesia family. We promote wellness within our program by incorporating resident mentorship, wellness afternoons, and program social events. Wellness is a priority at Kaweah and we strive for personal and professional wellness while navigating through residency training.

Visalia is located in California’s Central Valley, footsteps from the Sierra Nevada, Wine Country, and Pacific Coast. With only two to three hours from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Monterey Bay, you are able to make day or weekend trips! Exploring the kelp forests, seal beaches, Golden Gate bridge, or distinguishing a red blend from a bold cabernet; there are amazing activities to share with friends or loved ones. If you enjoy the mountains and hiking, we are located near Shaver Lake, Yosemite National Park, and Sequoia National Park, home to the largest tree in the world, General Sherman. As a smaller city, Visalia provides a sense of community. You learn the names of staff members you work with at the hospital and may even see them at the local shops, restaurants, and gym! The commute to and from work is predictable (takes less than 10 minutes with red lights). The minimal “traffic” can be a refreshing change, especially if coming from a large city.

The true, genuine, and supportive relationships built at Kaweah Health are invaluable. The complex pathology and diverse clinical exposure provides a wealth of knowledge and opportunity. We are thrilled you are interested in our program and look forward to answering any additional questions you may have about Kaweah, Visalia, or our application process.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Washburn, DO

Calvin Nguyen-Ho, MD

Chief Residents, 2024-2025