On July 1, Theodore “Ted” Sanford, Jr., M.D. stepped down from his 22-year position as Program Director of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan (UM). Leading one of the largest anesthesiology residency programs in the country, Dr. Sanford has always had a passion for educating students.
Dr. Sanford credits this passion to his role model, Lawrence J. Saidman, M.D., professor emeriti, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego. Dr. Saidman taught that “it’s okay to be wrong, just don’t stay wrong.” Dr. Sanford used this advice to help steer him through his tenure at UM, making constant adjustments to best meet the needs of his students.
“A juggler,” is how Dr. Sanford best describes the role of a program director. In addition to developing curriculum, program directors give lectures and tutorials as well as find speakers to address students. Recruiting residents also is a major component...