University of Chicago Program

The program offers a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesia with a focus on both clinical training and educational opportunities in a leading medical center. With approximately 500 adult cardiac cases performed annually, the program provides exposure to a diverse range of procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair/replacement, robotic cardiac surgery, and lung transplants. The fellowship emphasizes the intraoperative use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which is a key aspect of clinical practice in this specialty.

Fellows participate in six months of adult clinical cardiothoracic rotations, one month of thoracic rotations, and one month in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. The hands-on training aims to equip fellows with the skills to manage complex cardiovascular and thoracic cases, and to facilitate resident education. Notably, fellows also spend significant time in dedicated echocardiography training outside the operating room, learning both transthoracic and transesophageal techniques, which are essential for their future practice. These echocardiography training sessions are conducted under the guidance of board-certified experts in cardiac anesthesia who add significant value to the fellowship experience.

Clinical Experience

During training, fellows will be in high-pressure environments that require thoughtful supervision and bedside learning. The responsibility during fellowships includes managing postoperative cardiac surgical patients and engaging in educational activities that foster collaboration between different surgical teams and anesthesiology residents. A month of focused training with the perfusion team on cardiopulmonary bypass techniques allows fellows to grasp the integral aspects of cardiac surgery.

Furthermore, the program allows for flexibility with elective rotations, enabling fellows to tailor their experience to align with their career goals, whether that's advanced echocardiography, pediatric cardiothoracic anesthesia, or research initiatives. Fellows are encouraged to publish and present research findings at various regional and national forums.

Research and Didactics

The academic environment at the University of Chicago promotes continued learning through a robust didactic program. This program includes weekly lectures covering vital topics pertinent to both the board exams and practice in cardiothoracic anesthesia. Participation in multidisciplinary conferences fosters a holistic understanding of patient management from multiple angles, enhancing fellows' knowledge base.

Faculty support for fellows embarking on research projects is substantial, as they are not only encouraged but expected to engage in scholarly activities. Past fellows have successfully published their findings and presented at prestigious conferences including the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting.

Application Process

The program offers two fellowship positions per year, and applications are processed through the San Francisco Match, requiring the submission of three letters of recommendation. The program is welcoming to a variety of candidates, including those trained in both MD and DO pathways. Importantly, there is robust support for international medical graduates (IMGs) and fellows from diverse backgrounds.

Candidates must possess certain qualifications, including completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in anesthesiology. Given the competitive nature of the fellowship, strong clinical skills, a solid academic background, and previous research experience are advantageous.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship opportunities, accommodating those seeking J-1 or H-1B visas, thus allowing international candidates to join their ranks and contribute to the program's diversity.

Living and Working in Chicago

Being located in Chicago offers fellows a rich cultural backdrop with access to world-class amenities, excellent dining options, and vibrant events that contribute to a well-rounded personal and professional experience. This demonstrates the program's commitment to ensuring that the fellows have a fulfilling training and living experience.