UPMC Medical Education Program

The UPMC Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship is a two-year ACGME-accredited training program located at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. This fellowship aims to cultivate the next generation of academic pediatric heart surgeons by providing comprehensive clinical training focused on treating congenital cardiac anomalies within the local and international patient populations 1.

Program Structure and Goals

The program, which spans 24 months, emphasizes excellence in both clinical care and academic pursuits. It aims to achieve the following goals:

• Robust mentorship in clinical training provided by experienced Program Directors and Faculty.
• Administrative support facilitated through a strong program coordinator and dedicated support staff.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion within all levels of the fellowship.
• A rich didactic educational experience complemented by substantial resources for scholarly activities.
• A commitment to fellow wellness by ensuring protected time for personal needs.
• Continuous feedback through structured evaluations from faculty, peers, and self-assessments.

Learning Objectives

The fellowship incorporates multiple learning objectives tailored to foster essential competencies:

Patient Care

Fellows will develop advanced operative skills crucial for performing complex cardiac repairs, including wound closure and cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass.

Medical Knowledge

Participants will build foundational knowledge in congenital cardiac surgery through conferences and research presentations.

Practice-Based Learning

The program promotes self-evaluation and innovation in patient care approaches.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Fellows will be trained to communicate effectively with healthcare teams and families, especially when relating to children.

Professionalism

Fellows will enhance their leadership abilities and dedication to ethical standards in clinical environments.

Systems-Based Practice

Efficient and high-quality care is emphasized through collaborative practices involving various hospital disciplines 1.

Clinical Training Environment

UPMC Children’s Hospital comprises a fully equipped acute-care teaching hospital with more than 300 beds, providing a spectrum of advanced specialty care. The Heart Institute, a hub for pediatric cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, delivers robust training through a collaborative multidisciplinary approach 1. The facility is recognized nationally, ranking #3 in Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery by U.S. News and World Report for 2022-2023.

Application Requirements

Applications for the fellowship must be processed through the San Francisco Matching Program. Required qualifications include:

• Successful completion of an accredited thoracic surgery residency.
• Completion of clinical education in an ACGME, ACGME-I, RCPSC, or CFPC accredited program.
• Three strong letters of recommendation.
• Passing scores on USMLE parts 1, 2, and 3.

The program will also perform verification of educational prerequisites with each applicant's medical school and residency program to affirm credentials.

Unique Aspects

The fellowship benefits from the advanced training techniques available at the Heart Institute, including simulation exercises that prepare fellows for real-life medical emergencies. The integration of technology in training through simulation exercises enhances the fellows’ capabilities in managing acute situations effectively 2.

Visa Sponsorship

For international medical graduates (IMGs), the program offers visa support, including sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that qualified candidates from outside the United States can participate in the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship is known for being competitive, attracting top applicants from prestigious institutions. The program is inclusive and fosters diversity among its trainees and staff, creating a rich educational environment that values different perspectives and experiences 1.