Residents in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine at UWO do more than just study and work! There are a number of departmental social activities that occur throughout the year which are attended, and enjoyed by both staff and trainees.

Welcome BBQ
Traditionally held in mid-July at the home of one of the consultants this is
the main summer social activity. All of the residents and staff are invited
and it is a great opportunity for the incoming PGY-1 residents to meet their
colleagues and interact with many of the people they will come to know over
the next 5 years. For everyone else it is a chance to meet socially after a
busy year and usually enjoy the hot sun, some great food and a something
cold to drink! It is possible to know everyone in the department at Western
throughout the years of training and this is a good chance to put faces to
names, and know what people look like in street clothes in the absence of a
mask!

The Fall Anesthesia Golf Classic
This sounds as serious as it is (for some) but whether you are a duffer or a
pro this is where the golf prowess of the department is gratuitously
displayed! Teams of staff and residents set out upon the crisp, dew laden
fairways of one of London's many wonderful courses for a day of drives,
putts, "Fore!!", and more. The athletic abilities of one team usually
triumphs accompanied with bragging rights for the remainder of the year.
This event has always been a great success for all those who love the game
and it is another great chance to meet your coworkers, and staff away from
the OR. It usually takes place in September when the weather is nice.

Anesthesia Associates Annual Dinner and Dance.
This is the most glamourous event of the year! Generously sponsored by
Anesthesia Associates of London, this is the opportunity for people to
really show how chic and debonair they can be. There is no question, this
is a good looking group, and with suits, bow ties, dresses, saris and kilts,
people come out in style to this event. Usually held at the end of
November, it is memorable for the great music, food, dancing and holiday
cheer within the department.

Farewell Dinner
This event has been graciously hosted by a member of the department at the
Hunt Club for a number of years now, some time in June. There is usually a
lively reception before dinner where people who may not have seen each other through the winter and spring can catch up. This is followed by a
magnificent buffet dinner, and the presentation of the teaching awards.
Just as importantly the outgoing PGY-5's are recognized for their hard work
and success as they go on to pursue the next stage in their career as
anesthesiologists. It is a fitting way to wrap up the academic year before
people disperse for the summer.

Miscellaneous Events
Anybody within the department can take it upon themselves to organize social gatherings throughout the year. This has come in the form of TGIF's at one of the local establishments in town, and other informal gatherings of
residents, fellows and staff. People have busy lives outside of work but
getting together from time to time with the people we work with always ends
up being fun, and it is a good way to connect with people outside of the OR.
In the future it might be fun to organize multidisciplinary social events to
include our colleagues in Surgery, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and the
Anesthesia Assistant Program.

Dr. Kenneth Ryan
Chief Resident