University of Michigan Program

The University of Michigan Medical School offers a one-year, ACGME-accredited Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology (ACTA) Fellowship program. This program is specifically designed to provide advanced training in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of adult patients undergoing various cardiothoracic surgical procedures as well as interventional procedures. The trainees will gain expertise in providing anesthesia for cardiac surgeries, non-cardiac thoracic surgeries, and intrathoracic vascular surgical procedures. Additionally, the fellowship encompasses anesthesia for non-operative diagnostic and interventional procedures related to cardiac, thoracic, and vascular specialties.

Program Overview

The fellowship at the University of Michigan Health's Frankel Cardiovascular Center is particularly noteworthy for its national reputation in various fields such as heart failure, heart transplantation, and stroke care. The University of Michigan Health is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States for heart, vascular, and stroke care, providing a unique environment for fellows to engage in learning and clinical exposure.1

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for the ACTA Fellowship aim to ensure that candidates chosen for interviews exhibit the requisite qualifications. Satisfactory or anticipated completion of an ACGME anesthesiology residency program in the United States is mandatory. Candidates must also achieve either certification or anticipation of eligibility for the American Board of Anesthesiology Examination. Successful completion of the fellowship application via the San Francisco Match's Central Application Service is also required. The program follows a nondiscriminatory policy, ensuring equal opportunity for applicants.1

Salary and Benefits

The University of Michigan offers competitive salaries coupled with a generous benefits package to fellows and advanced trainees. Trainee salaries align with those of House Officers at equivalent training levels, as determined by the House Officers Association contract. This supports the financial well-being of fellows during their training period.1

Curriculum and Clinical Rotations

The curriculum for the ACTA Fellowship is structured over 12 months, comprising both clinical and didactic components aimed at developing consultants proficient in cardiothoracic anesthesia. The training allows fellows to gain skills in preoperative patient evaluations, interpretation of cardiovascular and pulmonary diagnostic data, hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring, and advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Furthermore, fellows will experience rotations in adult cardiac anesthesia, adult thoracic anesthesia, cardiovascular intensive care, and pediatric cardiac anesthesia, among others.2

Didactic Program

A comprehensive didactic program underpins the clinical training, ensuring fellows acquire adequate knowledge pertinent to cardiothoracic anesthesia. The didactics include weekly conferences, journal clubs, and lectures that cover a broad spectrum of topics such as surgical implications, diagnosis, management strategies, and quality assurance.2

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship, supported by Michigan Medicine's emphasis on research involvement. Faculty members encourage fellows to participate in various research projects, with an expectation for fellows to engage in quality improvement and patient safety projects leading potentially to publication opportunities. Each fellow is assigned a research mentor for guidance throughout the year.1

Life in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor serves as a vibrant location for individuals training at the University of Michigan. The city offers an array of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an enjoyable place to live while pursuing professional education.1

Visa Support

The program offers visa support and is capable of sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates. This facilitates a more inclusive and diverse training environment.1

Competitiveness

The University of Michigan's Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship is considered highly competitive. The program is designed to attract applicants who are well-prepared and demonstrate strong clinical skills, with an application process that favors candidates with a solid educational background and relevant experience in anesthesiology.1

Special Application Requirements

The application process necessitates that candidates have completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency. There are no explicit maximum limits regarding failed STEP exams, but candidates’ performance in relevant evaluations remains a crucial aspect of the selection process.1