Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Adult Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to train fellows in the provision of comprehensive anesthesia care for patients undergoing complex cardiac and thoracic surgeries. The program aims to cultivate strong clinical practitioners with leadership skills for impactful careers in either academia or private practice.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum focuses on providing fellows with extensive clinical experiences, complemented by formal didactics. The educational structure of the fellowship consists of 13 four-week clinical rotations comprising eight blocks in adult cardiothoracic operating rooms, one block in the Heart and Vascular ICU, and additional rotations in adult thoracic and vascular operating rooms and for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) procedures 1. Fellows also have access to elective options, including additional clinical rotations or research opportunities.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows gain hands-on experience in performing and interpreting TEEs under faculty supervision. The practice environment allows exposure to a variety of cardiac procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair and replacement, as well as advanced procedures like heart transplants and TAVR 1. This comprehensive training aims to establish proficiency in both intraoperative anesthesia management and postoperative care.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages fellows to engage in clinical research and quality improvement projects, providing dedicated non-clinical time for scholarly activities. Guidance from experienced faculty supports fellows in achieving their research objectives and contributes to advancements in cardiac anesthesiology 1.

Application and Visa Sponsorship

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or J-1 visa holders—other visa types are not sponsored 1. Prospective fellows are required to submit their application materials through the SF Match system, including supporting documents such as ECFMG certificates (if applicable), ISTE scores, and ABA basic exam results. It is preferred that applicants be board-certified or board-eligible in anesthesiology and possess a Pennsylvania medical training license 1.

Competitiveness and Selection Process

The fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants from various backgrounds. While U.S. clinical experience is not required, it is considered preferable. Selection is based on a holistic review of qualifications, including clinical performance and personal statements, rather than solely on examination scores 1. Furthermore, there is an inclination towards graduates from ACGME-accredited residency programs within five years of application.

Wellness and Support

The program is committed to the wellness of all its fellows, providing various resources for emotional and physical health. Significant initiatives are in place to support self-care, balance, and the development of resilience among trainees 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

Penn State Health embraces cultural and experiential diversity among its residents and faculty. The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion promotes various initiatives aimed at cultivating an inclusive environment that fosters respect and teamwork among all program participants 1.