Indiana University School of Medicine Program
Location:
Indianapolis, INSpecialty:
Pediatric cardiac anesthesiologyACGME Code:
0471704001The 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.
Website
Director
Clayre E Tanis-Arens, DOAssistant Professor of Clinical Anesthesia; Program Director Appointed Since February 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$90,000First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
15.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Indianapolis, IN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Indianapolis, IN
- Crime Rate and Safety: Indianapolis has some high-crime areas, but overall, it has a moderate crime rate. It's always advisable to use common sense and take precautions.
- Fun Activities: Indianapolis offers a wide range of activities such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, museums, parks, and cultural events. The city is famous for its sports events.
- Climate: Indianapolis has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for all four seasons.
- Races and Population: Indianapolis is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities. The population is around 900,000 people.
- Education: Indianapolis has good educational institutions including universities and colleges.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Indianapolis is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the US.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Indianapolis is around 3-4 hours' drive from Chicago, Illinois, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Both cities offer a wider range of entertainment options.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse activities, and good educational opportunities.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.
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