McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University offers an ACGME-accredited Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship program that provides a comprehensive year of clinical, educational, and academic experiences. The training takes place at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, recognized nationally for its excellence in cardiology and heart surgery. With over 1,200 cardiac surgeries performed annually, the fellowship ensures fellows receive unmatched clinical exposure in the region.

The curriculum is structured to ensure fellows engage with both routine and complex cardiac procedures, including advanced techniques such as complex mitral valve repair and transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The program also covers the heart failure pathway, offering exposure to heart transplantation and mechanical assist devices, all of which form the basis for in-depth clinical training in cardiothoracic anesthesiology.

Training Sites

Training occurs primarily at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, a leading center for cardiac care, as well as at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, renowned for its singular focus on patient care and exceptional surgical outcomes. The program facilitates substantial interaction with a wide range of surgical cases, including lung transplantation and thoracic surgeries, thus providing a holistic exposure to the field.

Curriculum Highlights

The fellowship features a diverse didactic curriculum, including introductory lectures and weekly didactic sessions focusing on cardiothoracic topics. Fellows are also involved in a comprehensive journal club and quality management conferences aimed to enhance educational development. Each fellow is expected to present at Grand Rounds during the course of their training and engage in scholarly activity such as contributing to research projects and case reports 1.

Fellows receive training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), an essential skill for cardiothoracic anesthesiologists. They will have dedicated time on the Echocardiography Service to develop proficiency required for national certification. The program also encourages participation in conferences, with funding available for attendance 1.

Research Opportunities

A strong emphasis is placed on scholarly activity with opportunities to initiate IRB-approved research studies or case reports. Participation in the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting allows fellows to showcase their research and contribute to the field at a national level 1.

Rotation Schedule

The rotation schedule is comprehensive, allowing fellows to gain extensive intraoperative care experience alongside supervision of junior residents and functioning as primary house staff 1. This dual experience is designed to enhance responsibility and leadership skills, vital for independent practice.

Additional rotations, including pediatric cardiothoracic anesthesia and critical care, provide further depth to fellows’ training, ensuring they are well-prepared for diverse clinical situations.

Benefits and Wellness

Fellows enjoy a range of benefits, including a $700 education fund for resources related to professional development. Membership in the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists facilitates networking and continuous education. The program further provides opportunities for moonlighting at a competitive pay rate, fostering work-life balance alongside career development 1.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program provides visa sponsorship options. Generally, the program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa types, supporting international fellows in their pursuit of advanced training in adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, targeting candidates who are board eligible or certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Applicants must have completed USMLE Step 3 prior to starting the fellowship and must obtain an Illinois Medical License. Additionally, there may be specific requirements regarding years of graduation and any permitted failed STEP exams 1.