Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship program at Cleveland Clinic is a comprehensive training opportunity designed for anesthesiologists focusing on cardiothoracic surgery. Established in 1976, the program has become one of the largest of its kind, training 18 fellows each year from diverse residency programs across the United States. It is part of Cleveland Clinic, which is nationally recognized for its Heart Center, offering fellows a chance to engage in complex, high-acuity surgical cases with direct mentorship from renowned faculty dedicated to education in cardiothoracic anesthesiology.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship involves a structured curriculum that emphasizes essential skills in perioperative management and echocardiography. Fellows gain proficiency in managing a wide range of patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, including lung and heart transplants, advanced heart failure treatments, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, and management of patients with structural heart disease. Training includes participation in approximately 4,100 cardiac surgical cases and 1,600 thoracic surgical cases yearly, highlighting the high-volume, diverse clinical experience offered in this program 1.

Rotations and Clinical Training

The clinical training is organized into 13 modules, each lasting four weeks. This modular approach allows fellows to focus on specific areas of anesthesia relevant to cardiothoracic surgery while providing opportunities for intensive hands-on experience with various surgical procedures. Two-week pathology-specific clinical rotations are also included, allowing for concentrated learning on particular conditions 1.

Educational and Research Opportunities

The program provides multiple educational sessions, including bi-weekly protected education sessions, departmental didactics, workshops, and formal echocardiography discussions. Fellows also receive training related to research initiatives, with opportunities to engage in projects that contribute to national meetings and publications, enhancing their scholarly activity 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Cleveland Clinic's Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship stands out due to its faculty, who occupy leadership positions in anesthesiology societies and are committed to mentoring fellows. The program fosters a collaborative environment where fellows can develop their professional interests, including leadership roles and research initiatives. The unique case complexity and volume provided by the only department in the U.S. focusing on Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology contributes significantly to the fellows' training experience 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program at Cleveland Clinic offers visa support, providing the necessary documentation for J1 and H1B visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates based on the requirements and institutional policies 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting top candidates. Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency and must have passed all USMLE steps to be considered for admission. Additionally, applicants are required to generate three letters of recommendation, one of which must come from their residency program director. International medical graduates may also apply, provided they meet the necessary evaluation and certification requirements 1.