UPMC Medical Education Program

Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship Program

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology (ACTA) Fellowship Program emphasizes the development of advanced clinical skills in the fields of cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesiology. This prepares graduates for the National Board of Echocardiography certification in Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography, along with the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) certification exam in Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology. The program is associated with the UPMC Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, which provides anesthetic care for over 2,000 adult cardiac surgical procedures each year, showcasing a robust clinical environment for fellows.

Clinical Experience

The clinical experience integral to the fellowship covers the complete spectrum of cardiothoracic and thoracic surgical practice. UPMC is internationally recognized for its leadership in heart and lung transplantation, affording fellows significant expertise in managing complex surgical scenarios, including the removal of ventricular assist devices and the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation post-lung transplantation. Additionally, fellows are exposed to various cardiac surgical procedures, including coronary bypass surgeries, valve repairs, and pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. The program also includes experience with electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization laboratories, giving further hands-on training in minimally invasive procedures and advanced cardiac interventions.

Educational Program

The educational structure of the ACTA fellowship incorporates a monthly subspecialty conference and an Interdisciplinary Echocardiography Conference (IDEC). The fellowship prioritizes didactic learning through protected time on Wednesdays dedicated to lectures, case discussions, and echocardiography rounds. Fellows actively contribute by leading monthly IDEC sessions where they collaborate with cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery peers.

The educational curriculum also features workshops that cover essential skills in perioperative echocardiography, lung ultrasonography, and more. A unique pig heart dissection lab, conducted in collaboration with cardiothoracic surgery faculty, enhances the fellow's understanding of cardiac anatomy.

Quality and Safety Initiatives

Fellows are encouraged to participate in critical quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety within the operating room and during transitions of care. This includes efforts to minimize blood product waste during surgical procedures and the implementation of a structured handoff protocol from the operating room to the intensive care unit.

Research Opportunities

The program offers numerous research opportunities, guided by faculty with a significant national presence in the field. Research focuses on various aspects of cardiac anesthesiology, including myocardial ischemia, transesophageal echocardiography applications, and intraoperative anesthesia for complex procedures. For those interested in pursuing academic research, there is an affiliated NIH T32 postdoctoral research fellowship available for physician-scientists.

Application Process and Requirements

To qualify for the ACTA Fellowship, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency. Applications are submitted through the San Francisco Match process, requiring a complete dossier that includes USMLE/COMLEX examination scores, letters of recommendation (preferably related to cardiac anesthesiology), and any applicable certification documentation.

Specific application documents include:

• Copies of USMLE/COMLEX Steps 1, 2, and 3 scores
• ECFMG certification (if applicable)
• Three letters of recommendation
• A copy of the medical school transcript and dean’s letter
• Board certification documentation or ABA Basic Exam letters

Visa Support

The program provides visa support and can sponsor applicants for various visa types. This includes J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships which are essential for international medical graduates pursuing training in the United States.

Competitiveness

The ACTA Fellowship Program is considered competitive, with a limited number of fellowship positions available annually. Applicants should have a strong academic background and relevant experiences in anesthesiology. While the program values diversity and seeks to attract residents from various backgrounds, being a DO or IMG may require additional considerations during the application process, including a strong clinical performance record.

Current and Past Fellows

The fellowship maintains a vibrant community of current fellows and boasts a network of alumni who have successfully transitioned to prestigious positions post-fellowship. Graduates of the program have secured placements at reputable institutions, showcasing the training quality and opportunity provided by UPMC's fellowship.