University of Alabama Medical Center Program

Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship Program Overview

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology (ACTA) fellowship program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) aims to prepare graduates to be exemplary clinicians, ready to thrive in diverse practice settings after completion. Graduates will become proficient in quality improvement and patient safety methodologies, positioning themselves as resources within their medical communities.

The fellowship offers an intensive one-year training program, including five ACGME-accredited fellowship positions annually. The fellows gain experience by managing approximately 2,500 adult cardiac procedures and 1,000 thoracic cases each year. This exposure encompasses a full spectrum of cardiac and thoracic surgeries and procedures, ensuring that fellows acquire a thorough understanding of their field.

Program Structure and Rotations

The ACTA fellowship consists of 13 block rotations lasting four weeks each. These rotations are meticulously structured to maximize educational benefits and include:

• Five blocks in the cardiac operating rooms
• Three blocks dedicated to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
• One block of thoracic anesthesia in thoracic operating rooms
• One block of interventional cardiology and structural heart procedures
• One block of critical care for postoperative cardiac surgical patients in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
• Two elective blocks allowing for additional specialization

This program emphasizes both independent anesthesia practice and the supervision of residents. In addition, fellows engage in a comprehensive didactic program throughout the fellowship.

Key Training and Educational Opportunities

A significant component of the training involves hands-on experience in perioperative TEE. Each fellow benefits from 12 weeks of dedicated TEE training under the guidance of board-certified echocardiography staff. Alongside practical experience, the fellows participate in a comprehensive lecture series to solidify their understanding of the concepts.

Fellows are also active participants in the resident educational program, allowing them to enhance their clinical knowledge and teaching skills collaboratively.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications for the fellowship are accepted approximately 18 months before the start date. The program participates in the San Francisco Match, requiring all applicants to register with the San Francisco Match Program. The application process includes submitting the Central Application Service (CAS) application for distribution to the program.

The fellowship is a 12-month program accommodating five fellowship positions. Applicants will be evaluated through interviews conducted between February and May.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates applying to the fellowship. Typically, the UAB program provides sponsorship for J-1 visas, essential for international graduates to undertake clinical training in the United States.

The competitiveness of the program is significant, with applicants typically coming from various backgrounds, including both MD and DO graduates. The selection favors candidates with robust clinical experiences and a commitment to the field.

Unique Aspects of the Program

UAB’s ACTA fellowship program is distinguished by its commitment to developing future leaders in cardiothoracic anesthesiology. The curriculum not only emphasizes clinical proficiency but also encompasses areas such as quality improvement, patient safety, and educational methodologies.

Fellows also have access to a diversity of elective rotations that expand their expertise, including perfusion, congenital cardiac anesthesiology, transthoracic echocardiography, and clinical research.