Training Program in Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology
The ACGME-accredited Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is a one-year training program for anesthesiologists who desire additional training in cardiothoracic anesthesiology. One position is available per academic year.
The goal of our program is to develop fellows into expert consultants in the field of cardiothoracic anesthesiology according to ACGME fellowship milestones across the six domains of physician competency: patient care, medical knowledge, systems-based practice, practice-based learning and improvement, professionalism, and interpersonal and communication skills.
At University Hospitals, we provide perioperative anesthesia care for patients undergoing a wide range of cardiothoracic and major vascular procedures, including:
- Coronary artery bypass grafts
- Valvular surgery, including repair and replacement
- Minimally invasive/robotic cardiac surgery
- Heart and lung transplants
- Mechanical circulatory support devices (LVAD, ECMO, Impella, IABP, etc.)
- Aortic surgery
- Structural heart interventions (transcatheter valves, including alternative approaches such as transcarotid and transapical)
- Congenital cardiac procedures, both pediatric and adult, through Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital
- Cath/EP lab
- Complex multidisciplinary obstetric care in patients with concomitant cardiothoracic or major vascular disease
A unique feature of our program is that fellows work closely with the program director to provide input into their experience, ranging from daily case assignments and call schedules to rotation order and elective options. There is an ideal balance of hands-on patient care and supervision with junior residents, as well as a weekly TEE/education day.
We support fellows in attending the annual Cleveland Aortic Symposium and presenting at national meetings such as the SCA. In addition to a yearly educational stipend, our department provides funding for PTE Masters and the SCA ARC question bank to help prepare fellows for their board exams.
The program is proud to have a 100% board pass rate for the Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography exam given by the National Board of Echocardiography. Our curriculum is also tailored to prepare trainees for the newest subspecialty board—the Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology exam—administered by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Lectures are provided throughout the year in both informal and formal settings, and our fellowship collaborates with other disciplines such as Intensive Care and Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Program Aims
- Train fellows to become knowledgeable, skillful clinicians who are experts in the care of patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery and related invasive procedures. We will provide fellows with faculty mentors who are committed to graduate medical education and who serve as role models displaying compassionate care, professionalism, and scholarship.
- Train fellows to become experts in cardiothoracic anesthesiology and advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography. We will provide diverse clinical experiences and a didactic curriculum that includes multidisciplinary lectures, conferences, workshops, and simulation.
- Train fellows to work cooperatively in multidisciplinary teams to provide high-quality preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care for adult patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery and related invasive procedures.
- Foster continuing education, evidence-based care, and the opportunity to advance fellows’ skills as physician-scientists through case conferences, M&M conferences, quality improvement projects, and clinical research.
- Support fellows in their pursuit of further training or employment at outstanding institutions.
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