Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Advanced Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine offers an exceptional opportunity for advanced training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia. This fellowship occurs primarily at the renowned Riley Hospital for Children, which is ranked 18th overall by U.S. News & World Report and is recognized as one of the best hospitals for treating children with severe congenital heart disease. The facility performs over 20,000 pediatric anesthetics annually, including more than 600 cardiac surgical cases and 700 catheterization procedures, providing fellows with extensive clinical exposure and experience.

The fellowship is ACGME-accredited and offers one 12-month fellowship position each year. Fellows are expected to exhibit proficiency in six competency areas and receive regular evaluations based on these competencies. The fellowship prepares its participants by enhancing their understanding of the pediatric cardiovascular system and various forms of congenital heart disease through clinical training, didactic instruction, and opportunities for research or quality improvement projects 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes 9.5 months of clinical exposure in the operating room and catheterization laboratory, 1 month in the cardiovascular intensive care unit, and 1.5 months of elective rotations. During the elective rotation, fellows have options such as echocardiography, extracorporeal perfusion, cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, or research 1.

Clinical Training Experience

The primary educational exposure for fellows focuses on hands-on learning within the cardiac operating room and catheterization laboratory. Fellows typically work one-on-one with attending anesthesiologists, with opportunities to supervise residents and junior fellows available. The program adheres to the ACGME's case minimum requirements and allows fellows to care for cardiac patients undergoing non-cardiac surgeries 1.

The program further emphasizes the acquisition of skills necessary for the preoperative evaluation of cardiac surgery patients, including experience with echocardiography. Mastery of essentials regarding patient monitoring and management during pre-bypass, bypass, and post-bypass phases is a core component of training 1.

Didactic Instruction

Diverse instructional formats enhance the fellowship experience, including:

• Bi-monthly lecture series led by program faculty and visiting lecturers
• Quarterly journal clubs
• Morbidity and mortality conferences
• Multidisciplinary simulation sessions in cardiac operating rooms and catheterization laboratories
• Department of Anesthesia grand rounds

These educational activities ensure fellows receive a comprehensive didactic foundation to complement their clinical training 1.

Application Information

Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesia residency, as well as an ACGME-accredited pediatric anesthesia fellowship. Candidates who have completed an adult cardiac anesthesia fellowship are also considered. A minimum of 25 pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass cases must be documented as part of the application. Required materials for application include the application form, CV, and three letters of recommendation submitted via email 1.

The Advanced Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship also provides visa sponsorship opportunities for qualified international medical graduates, ensuring that international applicants have the necessary support to join the program.

Competitiveness

The fellowship has a competitive selection process, highlighting the program's robust training environment and emphasis on mentorship. The reputation of Riley Hospital and the extensive clinical exposure provided contribute to the fellowship's appeal among applicants, including those from different backgrounds, such as DO and IMG candidates 1.

Conclusion

This fellowship aims to prepare fellows for expert-level responsibilities in anesthetic care for pediatric patients with congenital cardiac defects and provides a substantial opportunity for personal and professional growth in a comprehensive clinical setting 1.