Description

Cardiothoracic Critical Care is a growing subspecialty of critical care medicine that involves the treatment of patients with cardiothoracic pathology. This population includes post-cardiotomy, cardiogenic shock, respiratory failure, pre- and post-thoracic transplant, VAD implantation, and patients requiring temporary mechanical circulatory support (ECMO, Impella, intra-aortic balloon pump). Effectively caring for these high-acuity patients requires advanced training in the knowledge base, technology, and procedural skills that encompass this increasingly nuanced and complex field. As a leading cardiovascular center with a history of providing cutting-edge cardiothoracic critical care, we are uniquely well-positioned to meet the growing demand for this level of training.

This one-year non-ACGME fellowship provides an immersive training experience to board-certified and board-eligible intensivists dedicated to practicing and leading as cardiothoracic intensivists. Trainees will be immersed in our high-volume, high-acuity CTICU and gain the exposure, knowledge, and technical skills necessary to care for patients with advanced cardiothoracic diseases.

**Please note that unfortunately our program is unable to offer J-1 employer sponsorship for participation in this program.**

Clinical Experience

Fellows will spend several months in our 28-bed cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU), working to acquire in-depth knowledge of the unique pathology, management, and technology involved in the care for our patients.

This clinical time consists of:

~22 weeks of daytime rounding includes:

• Graduated autonomy in rounding and patient management

• ECMO consults, multidisciplinary cardiogenic shock team calls

• Direct supervision of residents and fellows

~36-night shifts include:

• Independent management of CTICU patients overnight

• Admission and management of new patients and late surgical cases

• Coverage for ECMO consults, cardiogenic shock team calls, interhospital transfers

• Nighttime ECMO support, including cannulation, troubleshooting, ECPR

• CTICU attending support from home (will come in for any acute management and procedural issues)

If you are interested in this position or would like more information, please apply today or contact: Tessa Grant, granttk3@upmc.edu