University of Florida Program

The University of Florida offers a specialized Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship that provides comprehensive training in the perioperative management of complex cardiac and thoracic cases. The fellowship is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare fellows to handle a variety of adult cardiothoracic anesthesia cases, including ascending and descending aortic aneurysm repair, aortic dissection repair, heart and lung transplantation, as well as intricate pediatric cardiac surgeries.

Curriculum Overview

This fellowship emphasizes an extensive curriculum that focuses on perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), requiring an average of 10-12 weeks dedicated to echocardiography training. The program has a high success rate for fellows passing the National Board of Echocardiography Perioperative TEE Exam, which underscores the effectiveness of its training approach. The fellowship includes rotations in CT Anesthesia, TEE, the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CICU), and elective opportunities to meet overall training requirements. Research opportunities are also available to those interested in academia, fostering an environment of scholarly activity and professional growth.

Research Opportunities

The program is designed to promote participation in research activities. Fellows are encouraged to engage in basic, applied, or clinical outcomes research and document their contributions through publications and presentations at various conferences. The fellowship aims to cultivate leaders in the field, ensuring fellows are well-equipped to treat an aging patient population with the latest diagnostic techniques and contribute to patient safety and quality improvement initiatives.

Fellowship Application Process

The program accepts four fellows annually. Applications must be received by April 1st, with interviews concluding by May 30th. The application package, which should be uploaded to the SF Match website, needs to include an application form, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. The fellows are selected based on their qualifications, achievements, and commitment to the field.

Visa Support

The University of Florida supports international applicants and can sponsor J-1 visas for fellowship positions. Candidates must ensure they have the appropriate visa status and can obtain an unrestricted Florida medical license for the duration of their fellowship. Those on an H-1B visa are also eligible, provided they meet the program's qualifications.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants, including those from Allopathic (MD), Osteopathic (DO), and International Medical Graduates (IMG) backgrounds. The rigorous nature of the training, combined with the high volume of clinical cases, provides a robust learning environment for all fellows.

Fellow Benefits

Fellows receive various benefits, including a competitive salary, health insurance for themselves and their families, and a comprehensive professional development allowance. The program also aims to foster a collaborative environment through regular meetings and interactions with experienced faculty, enhancing their educational experience.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship stands out for its emphasis on rigorous training in TEE procedures, research engagement, and a strong foundation in quality improvement practices. It also instills a culture of continuous learning and self-improvement, enabling fellows to develop into proficient anesthesiologists adept at managing complex cases.