University of Washington School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology (PCA) Fellowship at Seattle Children’s Hospital is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed for physicians who have completed an ACGME-accredited Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship. The program aims to provide all necessary clinical experiences and didactics, enabling graduates to achieve proficiency at a consultant level in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology.

Program Structure

The fellowship encompasses a blend of clinical, academic, and research activities throughout the 12-month tenure. PCA fellows are expected to dedicate 60% of their time to the fellowship program and 40% of their time serving as general operating room (OR) attendings. Rotations are scheduled in blocks lasting from one to two weeks, covering pediatric cardiac anesthesiology, cardiac perfusion, echocardiography, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, and research activities.

Didactic Education

Didactic learning is a vital component of the PCA Fellowship. Fellows participate in required department faculty meetings and are expected to create and present a lecture or research results on a relevant pediatric cardiac anesthesiology topic during the division’s weekly meetings. Weekly cardiac didactic sessions and presentations at these sessions are also part of the learning experience, alongside the participation in quality improvement (QI) meetings of the Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Division.

Clinical Experience

Rotation schedules include varied aspects of the pediatric cardiac setting. PCA fellows gain clinical experience in managing the anesthetic needs of neonates, infants, and children undergoing cardiac surgery and other associated procedures. Call responsibilities for the general pediatric anesthesiology service are initiated starting in the third month of the fellowship.

Research Opportunities

Research acumen is nurtured throughout the fellowship’s duration. PCA fellows are anticipated to identify a research project alongside a mentor, culminating in the presentation of at least an abstract at an academic evening and, potentially, a national meeting such as SPA, CCAS, or ASA. The program encourages submission of research for publication in reputable journals whenever feasible. Initiation of a larger research project is also promoted, highlighting the importance of academic productivity in the fellows' training.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency or an equivalent program. Candidates who have completed their residency outside the US or Canada require an eligibility exception review as per ACGME guidelines. Applicants must have passed USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 (or equivalent) and, if they are international medical graduates (IMGs), must possess ECFMG certification. The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship and may consider H-1B sponsorship for candidates already in the USA on H-1B visas. Additionally, covid-19 vaccinations are required. The application necessitates the submission of a current CV, a personal statement, three reference letters (including one from a residency program director), a copy of the medical school diploma, anesthesiology degree, medical license, and documentation supporting citizenship status.

Compensation and Benefits

PCA fellows receive a competitive salary starting at $120,000 annually, with those having completed an ACGME fellowship already earning a salary of $130,000 per year. An academic allowance of $1,500 per year is also provided to support educational expenses, along with coverage for the ATLS course.

Competitive Nature of the Program

This fellowship program is competitive and welcomes applications from various demographics, including international graduates. The focus on comprehensive training in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology makes it particularly appealing to applicants seeking in-depth experience in this specialized field.

Concluding Notes

This fellowship not only emphasizes technical proficiency in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology but also fosters a collaborative environment for research and academic growth, preparing fellows for future challenges in this specialized medical field.