Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Department of Anesthesiology at Emory University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship designed for advanced training in the anesthetic care of patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. This one-year program is fully accredited by the American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring that it meets the highest standards of medical education and training in the United States1.

Since its inception in 1977, the program has successfully prepared more than 200 fellows, solidifying Emory's position as one of the largest and most prestigious fellowships in the nation. Graduates are equipped to become independent practitioners, whether they aim for careers in academic medicine or community hospitals1.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is structured to provide a balance of clinical rotations, didactic learning, and research opportunities to help fellows develop the skills necessary to excel in this demanding field.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows allocate six months specifically to cardiothoracic operating rooms, covering a diverse range of surgical procedures. During this period, fellows take on primary anesthesia responsibilities, allowing them to manage invasive monitors and treatment strategies for coagulation disorders, and utilize inotropic and mechanical support1.

Echocardiography Training

In addition to surgical training, fellows receive three months of dedicated echocardiography training. They engage in intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) under the supervision of attending anesthesiologists, ensuring a robust training in this critical diagnostic tool. Furthermore, fellows gain experience working with cardiologists in the echocardiography laboratory performing transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) and dobutamine stress tests1.

Critical Care and Electives

During one month in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU), fellows learn the management of postoperative patients who have undergone cardiac, pulmonary, or transplantation procedures. The remaining two months of the fellowship can be dedicated to elective rotations which include opportunities in perfusion medicine, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, and advanced echocardiography1.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to engage in research early in their training. Fellows can dedicate up to two months for research during their fellowship. They are provided mentorship for projects that focus on important topics such as cardiovascular pharmacology and physiology. Fellow research projects could lead to presentation opportunities at national conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing scholarly activity within the field of anesthesiology1.

Training Sites

The fellowship is primarily based at two major hospitals within the Emory Healthcare system:

Emory University Hospital

This 600-bed tertiary care referral center is responsible for over 800 cardiac and 400 thoracic surgeries annually. The complexity and acuity of cases provide unique learning opportunities for fellows to engage in advanced surgical procedures such as heart transplants and aortic surgeries, deepening their understanding and skill in high-stakes environments1.

Emory University Hospital Midtown

Emory University Hospital Midtown features comprehensive service delivery, with over 1,000 annual cardiac and thoracic surgical operations. Notably, this hospital performs off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in more than 70% of cases, as well as advanced robotic surgeries and transcatheter procedures, expanding the fellows' experience with contemporary surgical practices1.

Application Requirements

Applications to the fellowship are accepted approximately 18 months before the intended start date. Candidates must register via the SF Match and submit an application by the established deadlines. The program requires applicants to have completed USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3, and holds a temporary or unrestricted medical license for Georgia. Importantly, fellows typically enter at the PGY-5 or PGY-6 level and must be board certified or board eligible by the American Board of Anesthesiology1.

Visa Support

The program supports international medical graduates seeking visa sponsorship for the fellowship. Typically, J-1 visas for medical training are prioritized, and the program aids in navigating the processes related to obtaining necessary immigration documentation.1

Competitiveness

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at Emory University is known to be highly competitive. Emory welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including graduates from DO and IMG programs, recognizing the importance of a diverse cohort in enhancing the educational experience.1

Overall, the fellowship program at Emory University School of Medicine embodies a commitment to providing a rigorous, comprehensive training experience that not only advances clinical skills but also fosters research and leadership qualities in the field of cardiothoracic anesthesiology.