University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship is a one-year clinical training program that prepares graduates for leadership positions within the subspecialty of cardiothoracic anesthesiology. The program is embedded in a multidisciplinary academic environment that fosters comprehensive competence across various core areas including patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice in cardiothoracic anesthesiology 1.

This fellowship offers five Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited positions annually to qualified applicants. Completing the program curriculum meets the minimum ACGME requirements and allows eligibility for certification in Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography from the National Board of Echocardiography. Training includes hands-on instruction and comprehensive anesthetic and perioperative care in cardiothoracic operating rooms under experienced faculty supervision. Fellows also engage in oversight and education of Anesthesiology residents during their cardiothoracic rotation 1.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The fellowship includes a rotation at the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, enabling fellows to care for cardiac surgery patients within a community hospital environment. The fellowship also covers clinical training in the Cardiothoracic Surgical Intensive Care Unit (CT-SICU), providing an opportunity for fellows to collaborate with surgical residents, critical care medicine fellows, cardiology fellows, and nurse practitioners 1.

Curriculum and Educational Activities

Fellows will engage in formal training in transesophageal echocardiography, managing surgical patients, and conducting research within the cardiothoracic anesthesia domain. The fellowship also organizes several educational events, such as the introduction to TEE course, critical care medicine course, and advanced fellow conferences. Notably, fellows are tasked with preparing presentations for departmental rounds, case conferences, and literature review presentations 1.

Research and Academic Development

Research participation is integral to the fellowship experience, especially for those interested in academic careers. Fellows may select from various academic development tracks, including a combined Critical Care Medicine and Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology track that spans two years, or an Instructor track that stipulates a faculty position following fellowship completion. The Research Training Grant (RTG) track offers three years of training for candidates aiming to pursue independent investigator roles 1.

Clinical Volume and Experience

The program ensures exposure to a broad array of clinical cases, with the Cardiovascular Surgery division performing a substantial number of cardiac procedures annually, including open heart surgeries and transplants. The volume of cases includes approximately 2,000 cardiac surgical procedures annually 1.

Application Process

The fellowship program commences on July 1 each year, with applications being accepted from January 1 to March 31 of the year prior to the fellowship start date. Selection involves a matching process through SF Match, and interviews are required. Eligible candidates should have graduated from an ACGME-accredited Anesthesiology residency program, and unrestricted Pennsylvania medical licenses are essential 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship supports visa sponsorship for various categories, accommodating international medical graduates aiming to pursue advanced training in health care. The exact types of visa support available can be clarified during the application process.

Competitiveness of the Program

This fellowship is recognized as highly competitive, and while it is favorable towards all qualified candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds, applicants should meet all outlined eligibility criteria to enhance their chances in the selection process 1.

Special Requirements

Additional application requirements may include providing documentation about the year of graduation from medical school, academic qualifications, and maximum allowed failed STEP examination scores 1.