University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Program

The Adult Cardiothoracic Fellowship Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine is designed to train future cardiothoracic anesthesiologists to excel in clinical practice, education, and research. The fellowship focuses on a diverse array of clinical experiences, enabling fellows to engage in vital procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair and replacement, aortic surgery, thoracic surgery, heart failure surgery, heart and lung transplants, and adult congenital heart procedures. Additionally, fellows have opportunities in private practice elective and hybrid room procedures, including transcatheter aortic valve implantation and percutaneous mitral valve repair.

UNMC's primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, serves as a large tertiary care facility and Level One trauma center. This partnership guarantees significant exposure and support for fellows as they enhance their clinical capabilities. The program is characterized by an exceptional echocardiography education, where fellows quickly integrate into tailored echocardiography training that evolves with their expertise level. In the early stages of their fellowship, fellows are excused from clinical duties for two weeks to attend an Echo Boot Camp, which includes hands-on training and instruction in transthoracic echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, and lectures. This program ensures fellows gain the necessary proficiency to meet the certification requirements set by the National Board of Echocardiography in Basic Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography.

The fellowship program at UNMC has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) since 2013, boasting a 100% board pass rate among its graduates. Fellows are provided with a comprehensive education that includes seven months dedicated to adult cardiac anesthesia, one month in thoracic anesthesia, and one month in critical care, supplemented by additional elective rotations that further expand their knowledge and skills.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship offers a well-rounded curriculum that consists of various rotations and clinical experiences designed to prepare fellows for a successful career in cardiothoracic anesthesiology. The rotation structure includes:

• Seven months in adult cardiac anesthesia
• One month in thoracic anesthesia
• One month in critical care
• Three or more months of elective rotations tailored to the fellow's interests, which may include cardiac anesthesia, perioperative echocardiography service, and more.

Fellows will encounter a wide range of surgical procedures, from major vascular surgeries such as thoracoabdominal aneurysm repairs to total arch repairs, TEVAR (Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair), and AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) surgeries. The operating facilities at UNMC include three to four cardiac ORs, three hybrid ORs, and two thoracic ORs, providing a robust environment conducive to advanced learning.

Research Opportunities

The program also emphasizes research as an integral part of the fellows' education. Fellows are encouraged to engage in research activities that enhance both clinical practice and academic inquiry. Collaborations with faculty and access to the latest resources position fellows to contribute to advancements in cardiothoracic anesthesiology.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed an Anesthesiology residency at an ACGME-accredited program. The program usually has five available positions for the academic year 2026-2027. All interested applicants should complete their registration through the San Francisco Subspecialty Match process. Interviews for selected candidates will take place virtually between January and March, thus allowing ample opportunity for candidates to showcase their qualifications.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is open to international applicants and provides visa support, including the sponsorship of J-1 visas, necessary for qualified candidates from overseas seeking specialized training in cardiothoracic anesthesiology.

This fellowship is recognized for its competitiveness; it welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those holding DO degrees and international medical graduates (IMGs), fostering an inclusive environment for a range of skilled medical professionals.