Preparing for a Fellowship in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology: Resources and Approaches for the Anesthesiology Trainee

Abstract

Adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology (ACTA) is a competitive fellowship. Despite increases in both the number of programs offering cardiothoracic fellowships and the number of residents applying each year, there is little direction or advice for prospective candidates. This review aims to educate anesthesiology residents who are hoping to pursue cardiothoracic anesthesiology, by examining a brief history of the advanced perioperative echocardiography qualification, the credentialing goals of ACTA fellowships, and the current status of ACTA fellowships. The second part of the review covers the ACTA fellowship application and aims to assist the candidate in navigating this process. The review examines the qualifications that fellowship programs look for in a candidate, including a discussion on professional behavior, and what an applicant can look for in a program. Finally, there is a brief discussion on post-match preparation.

Applying for Fellowship Training in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology in the Contemporary Era – Keys for Success

“…In this edition of the journal, Mackersey and Leff deliver a contemporary guide for the anesthesiology resident interested in the possibility of advanced training in adult cardiothoracic anesthesia anesthesiology. 1 This fellowship perspective has been divided into two main sections. The first part focuses on the history, credentialing goals, and status of the fellowships in adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology.…”

“…The first part focuses on the history, credentialing goals, and status of the fellowships in adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology. [1][2] The second part describes the application and selection process for a fellowship in the specialty. [1][2] This fellowship guide organizes a significant body of information that is either not readily available in the literature or not accessible without high-quality faculty mentorship.…”

“…[1][2] The second part describes the application and selection process for a fellowship in the specialty. [1][2] This fellowship guide organizes a significant body of information that is either not readily available in the literature or not accessible without high-quality faculty mentorship. [2][3][4] This outlined approach to fellowship training has a large scope, and provides an excellent starting point for motivated applicants.…”

“…The mandate for specialized training in adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology has become even more justified in a setting of an aging population with increasing cardiovascular morbidity. [1][2] As pointed out by Mackersey and Leff, the 12 months of fellowship training must include not only open-heart procedures, but electrophysiology cases as well. 1 Within this arena of expanding practice domains, one must not forget structural heart disease.…”

“…[1][2] As pointed out by Mackersey and Leff, the 12 months of fellowship training must include not only open-heart procedures, but electrophysiology cases as well. 1 Within this arena of expanding practice domains, one must not forget structural heart disease. 8 Not only are our patients living longer, but the available surgical and interventional options continue to evolve, expand and become more complex.…”