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.

Keywords: Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; Matching Program; National Board of Echocardiography; National Resident; San Francisco Match; Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists; cardiothoracic anesthesiology; fellowship; perioperative echocardiography certification.