University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System offers an Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship that is ACGME accredited, providing a one-year training opportunity for physicians seeking to specialize in cardiothoracic anesthesia. The fellowship emphasizes comprehensive anesthesia care throughout the perioperative period, focusing on maximizing patient safety and comfort while fostering education and research using cutting-edge techniques such as Trans-Esophageal Echocardiography.

Application and Eligibility

All fellowship applications are processed through the SF Match Program, thus there are no out-of-match positions available. Applications typically open between October and January, and interviews are held from January to April. Eligible applicants must have successfully completed the United States Medical Licensing Examination Steps 1, 2, and 3 prior to commencing the fellowship. A prerequisite is also the completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in anesthesiology.

Call Schedule and Rotations

Fellows are subject to a home call schedule at Jackson Memorial Hospital, rotating between the three fellows during the year. It is important to note that fellows are only engaged in “fellow-level” cases, which fosters a focused training experience in cardiothoracic anesthesia.

Training Locations

The fellowship primarily takes place at three notable institutions:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• UHealth Tower

The fellowship training site at Jackson Memorial Hospital has a rich history and a high volume of open-heart surgeries, creating an optimal environment for training in complex surgical procedures.

Clinical Experience

The clinical exposure is broad and varied, allowing fellows to gain proficiency in a spectrum of cardiothoracic procedures, including adult congenital procedures, aortic reconstructions, and various cardiac surgeries. The curriculum includes:

• Experience in heart failure care, including heart and lung transplantation
• Minimally invasive and robotic thoracic surgery
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Thoracoscopic and open lung resections

Additionally, fellows will have one month dedicated to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit and one month for elective rotations.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages participation in research, facilitated by the high publication output of the faculty, allowing fellows to contribute to advancements in cardiac medicine.

Visa Support

The fellowship program sponsors J1 Visas for international medical graduates through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. This enables non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents to participate in the fellowship while adhering to the necessary regulatory requirements.

Competitiveness of the Program

The program is highly competitive, attracting a diverse applicant pool, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Applicants must meet specific requirements, such as successful completion of all USMLE steps and graduation from an accredited residency.

Educational Structure and Mentorship

The educational structure is designed to enhance learning through a series of lectures focusing on perioperative echocardiography, management of cardiac surgery patients, and leadership. Each fellow is assigned a dedicated faculty mentor, fostering a supportive environment conducive to both clinical and academic development.

Alumni Placements

Graduates of the program have achieved notable placements in prestigious institutions, including:

• Cleveland Clinic
• University of Arizona
• Jackson Memorial Hospital

These placements reflect the comprehensive training and opportunities provided by the fellowship.