Westchester Medical Center Program

Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical Center

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical Center is an ACGME-accredited one-year program that offers three fellow positions each year. This fellowship is designed to cultivate anesthesiologists into proficient consultants in cardiothoracic anesthesia and perioperative care in both academic and non-academic settings. By completion of the program, fellows will fulfill the requirements to achieve Diplomate status with the National Board in Echocardiography specifically focusing on Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography, and will also be well-prepared to attempt the new subspecialty Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology (ECA) Exam.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum encompasses both clinical exposure and didactic education aimed at ensuring fellow competency in the foundations of cardiothoracic anesthesiology. Fellows engage in a diverse caseload involving high-acuity patients from a vast catchment area serving approximately three million residents in Westchester County and beyond. Clinical experiences involve participation in various procedures such as coronary revascularization, valve repair procedures, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVR), and complex congenital heart surgeries.

Didactic Education

Weekly didactic sessions cover a breadth of topics pertinent to cardiothoracic anesthesia, including preparation for the upcoming Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology Certification Examination. These sessions incorporate structured presentations aligned with the curricular expectations of both the ACGME and the American Society of Echocardiography. Enhancements such as the Heartworks/Bodyworks ultrasound simulator assist fellows in honing echocardiography skills.

Clinical Experience

Fellows gain hands-on clinical experience in several critical areas, including:

• Preoperative patient assessment and optimization
• Invasive monitoring and hemodynamic assessment
• Complex cardiac procedures and pacing
• Pediatric and adult congenital heart anomaly surgeries
• ECMO utilization and management
• Neuromuscular blockade and reversal in high-risk surgeries

This clinical spectrum fosters the advanced development of subspecialist anesthetic skills required for diverse cardiac operations.

Rotations

The fellowship includes eight four-week rotations across both adult and pediatric cardiothoracic surgical settings, alongside a focused rotation in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. Each fellow is afforded the opportunity to select from elective rotations covering pediatric anesthesia, thoracic anesthesia, and quality improvement initiatives.

Research Opportunities

Involvement in scholarly projects is strongly encouraged, with each fellow expected to complete at least one academic undertaking related to cardiothoracic anesthesiology, such as case reports, quality improvement projects, or analyses for presentation at national meetings. The program supports fellows through access to statistical resources and mentorship throughout their research endeavors.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is highly competitive, particularly favoring candidates who have robust academic backgrounds and clinical experiences. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) graduates are considered, but should ideally present comprehensive qualifications and strong references. Applicants must successfully complete an ACGME-accredited Anesthesiology Residency prior to application, along with submitting a complete ERAS application.

Visa Support

The fellowship program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for foreign medical graduates, provided the candidates meet the eligibility criteria. This allows international anesthesiologists the opportunity to gain specialized training while working at a prestigious NMC-affiliated center.

Faculty and Mentorship

The fellowship's teaching faculty consists of experienced anesthesiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons who promote an educational environment conducive to learning and professional development. Regular evaluations and feedback enhance the fellows’ learning experience, ensuring that they receive appropriate guidance throughout the duration of the program.

Living in Valhalla, NY

Located approximately 20 miles north of New York City, Westchester Medical Center provides a vibrant living environment characterized by picturesque landscapes, quaint towns and a multitude of outdoor activities. With convenient access to urban amenities and a focus on work-life balance, fellows are supported in managing personal and professional commitments.