Loyola University Medical Center Program
Location:
Maywood, ILSpecialty:
Adult cardiothoracic anesthesiologyACGME Code:
0411621030The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center offers a comprehensive training experience designed to equip fellows with advanced clinical skills in cardiothoracic anesthesia. The program prides itself on providing a dynamic clinical environment where fellows learn from board-certified anesthesiologists with specialized training in both anesthesiology and perioperative transesophageal echocardiography.
Program Overview
The fellowship is characterized by an outstanding clinical caseload, featuring a diverse range of surgical cases with varying degrees of complexity and acuity. Loyola Medicine hosts the most active heart and lung transplant center in Illinois, recognized for performing the highest number of lung transplants over the past two decades and leading in heart transplants recently, thereby offering fellows unique opportunities to gain considerable expertise in these areas 1.
Clinical Experience
Fellows will obtain extensive experience managing patients with end-stage heart failure and advanced lung disease, including anesthesia for heart and lung transplantation and the implantation of ventricular assist devices. The program covers a wide array of complex cardiac and thoracic surgical cases, such as valve repair and replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), thoracic aortic surgery, thoracoscopic, and robotic-assisted thoracic procedures. The fellows assist in over 1200 cardiac and thoracic anesthesia cases annually, ensuring they exceed ACGME case minimums and gain exposure to all four advanced cardiac procedural categories along with mandatory thoracic and cardiac cases 1.
Training and Didactic Curriculum
The training regimen includes hands-on experience with cutting-edge cardiac devices like the MitraClip, LARIAT, and WATCHMAN LAA occlusion devices. Fellows benefit from superb transesophageal echocardiography training, which occurs primarily in the OR, supplemented by rotations with cardiologists to enhance diagnostic and interpretive skills. Past participants report a 100% pass rate on the National Board of Echocardiography certification 1.
In terms of academic enhancement, the fellowship includes a robust didactic program. This consists of weekly lectures, journal clubs, and access to extensive multimedia educational materials. Fellows are encouraged to participate in discussions surrounding advanced cardiac and thoracic topics, enriching their educational experience alongside peer collaboration 1.
Research Opportunities
Fellows can opt for a clinical-only or combined clinical/research trajectory, allowing them to delve deeply into areas of interest within cardiothoracic anesthesiology. The program is equipped with ultramodern facilities, including dedicated cardiothoracic operating rooms and a hybrid OR that integrates cath lab capabilities, enhancing the scope for research and learning during the fellowship 1.
Support and Benefits
In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, the program provides fellows with guaranteed financial support for attending conferences relevant to their interests, including echo conferences. They are also encouraged to actively participate in annual meetings, such as the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesia Meeting 1. Furthermore, fellows have access to resources to prepare for the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) examinations, supported by faculty who are current oral board examiners.
Visa Sponsorship
The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship provides visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs), facilitating various types of visas including J-1 and H-1B sponsorships. This ensures that deserving candidates from diverse educational backgrounds can engage in fellowship training and enhance their medical expertise at Loyola 1.
Competitive Nature of the Program
The fellowship is known to be highly competitive, attracting applications from diverse candidates, including both US and international graduates. While the program values applicants with strong clinical backgrounds, it also embraces candidates from osteopathic and international medical institutions, enhancing its commitment to foster a diverse education environment. Special application requirements include a robust academic record, and candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply regardless of previous exam attempts.
Website
Director
Steven A Bartels, MDAssistant Professor and Program Director Appointed Since June 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,523First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Maywood, IL 60153
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Maywood, IL
- Crime Rate and Safety: Maywood has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, so caution is advised.
- Fun Activities: Maywood is close to Chicago, providing access to a wide variety of cultural attractions, dining options, and entertainment opportunities.
- Climate: Maywood experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters.
- Races and Population: Maywood has a diverse population with a mix of races and ethnicities.
- Education: Maywood is home to different educational institutions, including Triton College.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Maywood is slightly higher than the national average.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Maywood is approximately a 25-minute drive from Chicago, a major city known for its vibrant culture and numerous amenities.
- Pros: Close proximity to Chicago, diverse population, and access to educational opportunities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate and slightly elevated cost of living.
Interview Questions
