University of Colorado Program

The ACGME approved Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship program at the University of Colorado offers a comprehensive training experience aimed at individuals seeking expertise in the field of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology. This program is designed with a focus on flexibility, teaching, clinical practice, and research, providing a robust environment for fellow development and success in cardiothoracic anesthesia.

The program accepts three fellows each year, working mainly at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, a leading tertiary care center equipped with advanced facilities and a collaborative clinical environment. The fellowship incorporates a wide variety of experiences, focusing on perioperative transesophageal echocardiography and a core curriculum that prioritizes patient safety, quality of care, education, and research. The faculty-to-fellow ratio is made up of 12 faculty members to 3 fellows, facilitating personalized mentorship and support throughout the fellowship experience 1.

Training Opportunities

Fellows have the chance to engage in various training programs, including a combined research and clinical cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship. The research year focuses 80% on basic research while the second year concentrates 80% on clinical practice combined with a 20% research time allocation. Additionally, there is the Dual Critical Care/Cardiothoracic Fellowship option for applicants looking to integrate critical care training with cardiothoracic anesthesiology, enhancing their expertise for careers in academic anesthesiology 1.

Core Rotations

The core rotation involves a significant commitment known as the Cardiothoracic OR rotation, where fellows serve as primary anesthesia providers in various cardiac and thoracic procedures. These include coronary artery revascularizations, valve replacements, complex thoracic aortic surgeries, and heart and lung transplantation. Furthermore, fellows play vital roles in the cardiothoracic ICU (CTICU), gaining hands-on experience in the care and management of patients post-surgery and during complex procedures 2.

Curriculum Structure

This fellowship features a comprehensive twelve-month curriculum, emphasizing didactic education. The recently revamped didactics curriculum includes weekly echo rounds where fellows discuss clinical findings, a dedicated cardiac anesthesia lecture series, and faculty-led morbidity and mortality conferences. A monthly journal club also provides an opportunity for fellows to lead discussions on critical articles relevant to anesthesia and cardiac care 3.

Educational Objectives

At the conclusion of the fellowship, participants are expected to be proficient in various areas including management of both cardiac and thoracic surgery anesthesia, advanced echocardiographic techniques, and postoperative patient management. The curriculum fosters strong communication and interpersonal skills, necessary for orchestrating care within the multidisciplinary surgical teams 3.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is competitive, with a clear emphasis on finding well-rounded candidates who excel in clinical and educational settings. Special application requirements may include prior completion of an anesthesiology residency, a maximum number of failed STEP exams for applicants, and certain milestones in their medical education. The program provides necessary visa sponsorship including J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating international applicants who seek training in this highly regarded fellowship 2.

Training Sites

The primary training site is the University of Colorado Hospital, a designated tertiary care facility that houses advanced medical technologies, expansive operating rooms, and comprehensive critical care resources. Additionally, fellows gain exposure to Children’s Hospital Colorado, participating in the care of pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery patients through the Colorado Adult & Teen Congenital Heart Program (CATCH) 2.

Living in Denver

The University of Colorado’s location in the vibrant city of Denver offers a rich lifestyle complemented by the surrounding natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, providing ample opportunities for recreational activities year-round, such as hiking, skiing, and other outdoor adventures. This appealing environment supports the work-life balance essential for medical trainees 1.

Overall, the Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship program at the University of Colorado stands out for its commitment to excellence in training and its supportive educational environment.