Dr. Yan’s Visit to UCLA and China Rotation Q&A
Dr. Yan’s Visit to UCLA and China Rotation Q&A
By Victor Xia, MD, Jack Buckley, MD, Christine Myo Bui, MD, and Lucelva Mendez
On November 1, 2024, a visit by Dr. Yan Min, Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University (SAHZU), received a warm welcome from our faculty and residents. During her visit, Dr. Yan met Dr. Maxime Cannesson, DAPM Professor and Chair, to discuss various topics, especially plans to re-establish our long-term partnership, which had been interrupted by the pandemic. Additionally, she met Drs. Barbara Van de Wiele, Tom Vondriska, Jack Buckley, and Theodora Wingert. Over lunch, Dr. Yan had a face-to-face discussion with many residents who were interested in the China Rotation hosted by SAHZU in Hangzhou, China.
The China Rotation, initiated by Dr. Yan and Past DAPM Chair Patricia Kapur, MD, in early 2000s, is part of a broad agreement to facilitate personal exchanges, lectures, and research collaborations between the two departments. Since 2012, twelve residents have participated this rotation. They are Drs. Zhe Li (2012), Albert Tran (2013), Ben Carrol (2014), Theresa Lo (2015), Steven Tu (2016), Seprhr Rejai (2016), John Le and Ara Vehian (2017), Tim Kwiecien and Nicole Yin (2018), and Sam Jiang (2024).
During her open discussion with residents, Dr. Yan answered many questions. Below is a summary for those who were unable to attend.
What is the China Rotation?
The China Rotation is a program under which UCLA anesthesia residents perform clinical duties under supervision at SAHZU, Hangzhou, China. This 4-week rotation is fully ACGME-accredited.
Where is SAHZU, and how can I get there?
SAHZU is centrally located in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, approximately 110 miles southwest of Shanghai. Travel options include flying from LAX to Hangzhou with layovers in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Japan, or Seoul, or flying to Shanghai and taking a bullet train to Hangzhou. Our department covers a round-trip economy-class airline ticket.
Where will I stay in Hangzhou?
SAHZU provides a furnished apartment housing adjacent to the hospital. The apartments typically have 3 or 4 bedrooms and shared with other visiting students, residents, and fellows from the US or Europe.
Do I need to speak Chinese in Hangzhou?
No. Chinese language skills are not required for the China Rotation. You can communicate with attendings and fellow residents at SAHZU in English. While communication with patients may present challenges, your Chinese colleagues, typically residents, will assist with translation.
How many residents can go per year and per rotation?
SAHZU will accept two residents each year and one resident per rotation.
Who and when can apply for the China Rotation?
The China Rotation is an elective program designed for CA-3 residents. Residents are encouraged to contact the Education Office or Dr. Victor Xia at any time during residency and can apply during their CA-2 year. The rotation typically occurs in October, November, February, or March, depending on the schedules of the applicants and SAHZU.
How are applicants chosen for the China Rotation?
Interested residents should apply. Selection factors include the number of applicants in a given year and resident availability during rotation months. In addition, residents need to be in good academic standing to be considered for the rotation.
