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Clinical Experience - Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship Program

The breadth of cardiovascular and thoracic diseases treated at Ochsner is excellent and has recently garnered national recognition. In 2012, Ochsner was named one of the top 20 “Best Hospitals for Cardiology and Heart Surgery” by US News and World Report Magazine. We believe our cardiac anesthesia team along with our fellow, play an integral role in providing this high level of patient care.

Our fellows will gain experience in the conduct of pre-operative patient evaluation, hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring, advanced level peri-operative TEE, management of CPB, pharmacological and mechanical hemodynamic support, and perioperative critical care. Operative experience will focus on advanced cardiothoracic and vascular cases including valvular heart surgery, ventricular assist devices, heart and lung transplant, percutaneous aortic valve replacement and complex aortic repair.

Fellows will have the opportunity to work both independently and with residents in a supervisory role, under the guidance of qualified faculty. The clinical experience is structured so that it meets all ACGME requirements for fellows training in cardiothoracic anesthesiology.

Didactics include monthly educational conferences, weekly lectures, PBLDs/Oral Exams, Case Conferences, and Selection Conferences. The fellow also participates in weekly multi-disciplinary Morbidity and Mortality Conferences with the entire anesthesia department. There is a monthly journal club attended by the staff, residents, and fellows from Ochsner and other local academic institutions.

Special attention is focused on preparation for the NBE exam in advanced peri-operative echocardiography. All operative TEEs are stored in a database in our echo reading room so the fellow can review these independently or with staff. Our echo simulator is an excellent tool for learning imaging fundamentals as well as pathology. The fellow plays an integral role in teaching residents the basics of echocardiography using the simulator.

Scholarly activity is strongly supported and encouraged. In the past, our fellows have presented at regional and national academic meetings and have participated in numerous publications. There are many opportunities for complex case reports, book chapters, newsletter articles, as well as original research.

The Ochsner Adult Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Fellowship Program is designed to give a comprehensive exposure to cardiovascular surgery, including an extensive exposure to cardiothoracic anesthesia techniques. Through a detailed understanding of the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease processes, the finishing fellow will feel confident in providing anesthestic care to cardiothoracic patients.