Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Fellowship at Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School is a year-long, ACGME-accredited program that prepares fellows to deliver expert anesthetic care for complex cardiac surgeries. This fellowship is set within a dynamic academic environment, designed to enhance clinical autonomy and personal growth in cardiothoracic anesthesiology.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the fellowship must possess a valid New Jersey medical license and have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program in anesthesia. The application is submitted through the SF Match and includes letters of recommendation—one of which must be from the current Program Director or Department Chair. The fellowship typically begins in July, but exceptions to this schedule may be considered on an individual basis.

Curriculum and Clinical Training

Fellows partake in a structured curriculum with multiple essential clinical training rotations:

Echocardiology

The fellowship includes extensive formal training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), with fellows performing TEE during cardiac cases throughout the year. A dedicated rotation in echocardiography covers intraoperative examinations and interpretation, equipping fellows to meet certification criteria for advanced TEE examinations.

Perfusion

A rotation within the Perfusion Service allows fellows to learn basic perfusion techniques and physiology. This experience aids in understanding the collaboration with perfusionists, a crucial aspect of complex cardiac surgical procedures.

Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care

During a one-month rotation in the cardiac surgical intensive care unit, fellows manage postoperative patients, gaining insight into potential complications and the impact of operating room management on recovery.

Thoracic Anesthesia

A specific rotation on the thoracic anesthesia service allows fellows to practice anesthesia for complex thoracic patient populations, focusing on skills such as double-lumen tube placement and managing one-lung ventilation.

Cardiology

A two-week cardiology service rotation allows fellows to engage in rounding with cardiology fellows and attending cardiologists, gaining exposure to the management of various cardiac conditions.

Electrophysiology/Cardiac Catheterization

This rotation consists of four weeks in the electrophysiology/cardiac catheterization suite, where fellows experience both providing anesthesia and observing procedures, solidifying their understanding of complex cardiac interventions.

Throughout the year, fellows also administer anesthesia for major vascular cases, increasing their exposure to state-of-the-art procedures.

Research Opportunities

Fellows can participate in ongoing clinical research projects, enriching their academic portfolio and experience within the field. Regular engagement in scholarly activities is emphasized, supporting residents in presenting their work at national conferences.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program benefits from a collaborative environment among a close-knit team of cardiothoracic anesthesiologists. Mentorship is a key component, with senior faculty guiding junior members in career development and clinical skills enhancement. This fellowship emphasizes a progressive approach, fostering an environment where learning and innovation thrive.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports J-1 visa applications for international medical graduates. Candidates requiring visa sponsorship should be prepared to adhere to specific guidelines associated with the application process.

Competitiveness

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting well-qualified candidates with a strong clinical background and performance during residency training.

Special Application Requirements

Candidates are expected to have completed their anesthesiology residency within an established timeframe without major discrepancies in their training.