The Educational Evolution of Fellowship Training in Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology – Perspectives From Program Directors Around the United States

Fellowship Training in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology: Navigating the New Educational Landscape as a Result of the Coronavirus Crisis

“…11;16-18 The normal fellowship timeline with its goals and activities should be managed as best as possible in Stages 1 and 2, but will have to largely sacrificed in Stage 3, depending on the intensity of the local COVID-19 outbreak as outlined by the ACGME. [19][20] This dynamic educational landscape offers multiple opportunities to mentor educational leaders, including aspiring program directors, to develop creative and collaborative solutions for the challenges of the coronavirus crisis for both the graduating and incoming fellows. [19][20][21] The phased response to the crisis intensity at the departmental level will be greatly enhanced with an integrated response from the fellowship leadership.…”

“…[19][20] This dynamic educational landscape offers multiple opportunities to mentor educational leaders, including aspiring program directors, to develop creative and collaborative solutions for the challenges of the coronavirus crisis for both the graduating and incoming fellows. [19][20][21] The phased response to the crisis intensity at the departmental level will be greatly enhanced with an integrated response from the fellowship leadership. [21][22][23]…”

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

“…For a detailed review of the history of ACTA fellowships in the United States, Capdeville et al describe the history, progression to recognition as a subspecialty, and rationale for ACGME accreditation. 4…”

“…According to data from the National Resident Match Program and SF Match, pain medicine was the most competitive choice in the 2017 Fellowship Match, followed by ACTA and pediatric anesthesiology (Fig 1). 3,4,12,13 In 2017, for every fellowship position in pain medicine, 1.27 applicants applied compared with 1.25 applicants for ACTA, 0.98 applicants for pediatric anesthesiology, and 0.78 applicants for critical care. 3,13,14 Examination of the ACTA Fellowship SF Match results (Table 4) shows there has been an 18% increase in the number of applicants over the past 5 years from 267 to 316.…”

Chasing Unicorns: Can Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologists Achieve Advanced Echocardiography Competency as Outlined in the Latest Training Statement?

“…8 The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education eventually added the assessment of echocardiography competency as a requirement for cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship training programs. 9 Over the next several decades, cardiothoracic anesthesiologists treaded unchartered waters and gradually became leaders in the field at both societal and national levels. Nowadays, many cardiothoracic anesthesiologists routinely educate trainees from other disciplines on perioperative TEE, be it in the operating room or the structural heart procedure room.…”