Johns Hopkins University Program

The program in Obstetric Anesthesia at Johns Hopkins University provides comprehensive clinical fellowship training designed to develop expertise in managing anesthesia for obstetric patients. The training occurs in a highly dynamic environment that serves a wide diversity of patients, contributing to the fellows’ capacity to handle various obstetric conditions. The program amalgamates efforts from two main clinical sites: The Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, both of which collectively handle over 4000 deliveries annually, offering ample exposure and experience in the field.

There are notable features of the program, including opportunities for fellows to engage in educational roles by teaching residents and collaborating with obstetric teams, thereby enhancing their leadership skills while participating in a rigorous clinical environment.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the fellowship focuses on several key objectives such as skill development in anesthesia care of the obstetric patient, comprehensive pre-anesthetic assessment, intraoperative management, and post-anesthesia care. This multifaceted approach ensures fellows become proficient in both routine and complex obstetric anesthesia practices. Specific goals have been set for fellows in their CA-2 and CA-3 years, where they are expected to take on more independent roles in developing and managing patient care plans for high-risk parturients.

Professional Development

Professionalism is a cornerstone of the training, with expectations that fellows will conduct themselves with integrity towards patients, colleagues, and other healthcare providers. This includes fulfilling clinical responsibilities timely, adhering to ethical principles, and fostering a culture of respect and learning.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Fellows are trained to nurture strong interpersonal and communication skills, crucial for effectively educating patients about the anesthesia process. This includes explaining risks, benefits, and potential side effects, and obtaining informed consent while interacting positively with a diverse team of health care professionals.

Clinical Experience

Throughout the two-month clinical rotation, fellows will gain in-depth knowledge of physiological changes during pregnancy, along with practical skills in administering various types of anesthesia, including regional and general anesthesia for labor and cesarean deliveries. By the end of the rotation, fellows are expected to competently manage fetal distress and address common complications encountered during labor.

Competencies Developed

Fellows will work toward mastering the knowledge required to recognize and manage complications, and possess an understanding of anesthetic pharmacokinetics pertinent to obstetric anesthesia. They will also be equipped to handle critical obstetric emergencies and contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the hospital.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research as an integral component of education, providing fellows opportunities to collaborate with departments such as Obstetrics, Neonatology, and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. This cross-departmental collaboration aims to enhance the quality of obstetric anesthesia care, supporting both clinical practice and academic inquiry.

Application Process

Applicants interested in the fellowship must meet certain criteria, including holding an MD state medical license and DEA license. The program typically accepts 1-2 fellows per academic year. The application requires completion of an online fellowship application, submission of a CV, three letters of recommendation, and medical school transcripts. Special note: The institution does not sponsor J-1 visas beyond residency, which is a critical consideration for international medical graduates.

The fellowship participates in the SF Match, thus requiring registration and adherence to specific deadlines including application completion by July 31st and rank order list submission by September 21st.

Competitiveness and Eligibility Requirements

The program is highly competitive, and applicants are advised to have a robust academic record and clinical experience. Candidates are required to submit USMLE scores for Parts 1 and 2, with Part 3 being optional. Specific criteria regarding failed STEP exams are not explicitly defined; however, strong academic performance would be impactful in the selection process.

Fellowship Benefits

Those selected into the fellowship enjoy remuneration at PGY Level 5, with a starting salary of approximately $61,610. Additionally, fellows gain access to extensive resources for learning and networking within the field of anesthesiology, making this fellowship a distinguished step in their professional development.