Children's Hospital Los Angeles/University of Southern California Program

The Congenital Cardiac Surgery (CCS) fellowship program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, is a prestigious one-year program designed to provide advanced training in congenital cardiothoracic surgery. Under the leadership of Dr. Vaughn A. Starnes, the program aims to further develop the skills of thoracic surgical residents who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency.

This program equips fellows with a deep understanding of both normal and abnormal pediatric cardiovascular conditions, along with their pathophysiology. With the CCS fellowship being an ACGME-approved program, graduates are eligible for the certification process in pediatric cardiac surgery. This unique training environment is essential for those who aspire to specialize in pediatric and congenital heart surgery.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum focuses on the comprehensive education of fellows in various aspects of congenital cardiac surgery. Graduates of this fellowship will have gained substantial experience in pivotal areas, including:

• Operative and non-operative management of congenital heart disease
• Advanced techniques in cardiac surgery
• Multi-disciplinary collaboration with pediatric cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and other specialized healthcare professionals
• Participation in complex surgical cases

Fellows also benefit from exposure to the largest congenital heart program on the West Coast, which incorporates congenital cardiac surgery, cardiology, cardiothoracic transplantation, cardiac intensive care, and cardiac anesthesia, enhancing their learning experience within a high-volume clinical setting.

Training Sites and Facilities

CHLA boasts robust facilities to support the fellowship program. The Cardiothoracic Surgery Program has:

• Two dedicated operating rooms available 24/7
• A 24-bed cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU)
• A 21-bed cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU)

These facilities ensure that fellows are well-prepared to care for all post-operative surgical patients and to manage critically ill patients suffering from heart disease.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a vital role in the fellowship experience. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research, contributing to ongoing studies that advance knowledge in pediatric cardiac surgery. The program fosters an academic environment conducive to innovative research activities, including collaborations with faculty members and involvement in national conferences.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

To be eligible for the CCS fellowship, candidates must meet several requirements:

• Completion of a general surgery residency
• Pursuit of certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) is required, either by being eligible or already certified
• Completion of an ACGME-approved adult cardiothoracic surgery residency

Only one fellowship position is offered per year. The program is recognized as highly competitive, primarily focusing on U.S.-trained candidates and may not be as friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) due to the specific requirements tied to residency completion.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports the application for J-1 visas; however, candidates on H1B visas are not accepted. This allows for a broader selection of candidates from international backgrounds, contingent upon their compliance with the set criteria.

Conclusion

Overall, the CCS fellowship program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is an exceptional opportunity for those dedicated to pursuing a career in congenital cardiac surgery. With a focus on comprehensive training, research involvement, and mentorship from experienced faculty members, fellows are well-equipped to excel in this specialized field of medicine.