Children's Hospital Los Angeles Program

The Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine at Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers a one-year Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship. Located within a high-volume institution with 495 hospital beds and 14,600 inpatient admissions per year, the program is designed for healthcare professionals committed to advancing their skills in the field of pediatric cardiac anesthesiology. The Heart Institute at CHLA is renowned, treating approximately 8,000 children annually, which provides fellows a comprehensive clinical experience in both the operating room and the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU) with 25 beds dedicated to post-operative cardiac care.

The fellowship emphasizes rigorous training, focusing on the management of children with complex congenital heart disease. Each year, there are two positions available, allowing tailored training opportunities in a supportive environment. The program stands out nationally, often ranking among the top pediatric cardiology and heart surgery programs according to evaluations by U.S. News & World Report, and offers extensive clinical exposure through approximately 950 cardiac surgical procedures each year 1.

Training Structure

The primary goal of the fellowship is to deliver advanced clinical training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia. During the fellowship, participants are engaged in direct patient care in various settings, including cardiac operating rooms and catheterization laboratories, while being mentored by attending cardiac anesthesiologists. This structured mentorship ensures that fellows develop the competencies necessary to handle a variety of congenital and acquired heart disease cases.

The fellowship typically allocates nine months to clinical anesthesia provision, with clinical duties spread across the cardiothoracic operating room (CVOR), cardiology/electrophysiology lab, general operating room, and interventional radiology. One month is designated for intensive care unit management (CTICU), one month is elective, and a total of four weeks are allocated as vacation time. In terms of elective options, fellows may choose dedicated experiences involving perfusion, cardiology, echocardiography, research, or electrophysiology if they wish to cater the fellowship to specific interests 1.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the program, applicants must either have completed or be currently enrolled in a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship or possess an adult cardiac anesthesiology fellowship. Candidates are required to hold board certification/eligibility in anesthesiology or pediatric anesthesiology at the time of application. The fellowship actively encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates including those with prior experience in adult cardiac anesthesiology, as the program can be adjusted to include corresponding training in general pediatric anesthesiology if necessary.

Application inquiries can be directed to the Fellowship Director and applications are currently being accepted. The integration of moonlighting opportunities is also a feature of the program, enhancing the fellows' overall training experience and professional development prospects 1.

Program Features and Compensation

The fellowship program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is accredited by the ACGME and is committed to providing a financial structure that supports its fellows. The salary minimums for fellows are structured based on postgraduate year (PGY) levels, starting from $90,667.20 for PGY 6 and increasing to $100,089.60 by PGY 9. This competitive remuneration is a consideration for many applicants, adding to the appeal of training at such an esteemed institution 1.

Team and Support Structure

The fellowship boasts a dedicated team led by experienced faculty members, notable for their roles in clinical education and their contributions to pediatric anesthesiology. This collaborative environment is designed to foster both learning and professional development, ensuring fellows receive comprehensive training from industry leaders 2.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program provides visa sponsorship opportunities, which may include H-1B or J-1 visa statuses, enabling qualified candidates from around the world to apply without hindrance. This commitment to inclusivity is indicative of the program’s dedication to cultivating a diverse group of fellows who can contribute unique perspectives and experiences to pediatric cardiac anesthesiology.

Competitiveness

The Fellowship in Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is recognized for its competitive nature, attracting a high caliber of candidates. Both MDs and DOs, as well as international medical graduates, are welcomed, reflecting the program’s inclusive approach towards applicants with different backgrounds and experiences in the medical field.