Tailored curriculum + high-acuity cardiac case experience in a structured fellowship year
Fellows in the Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at Tufts Medical Center follow a carefully structured curriculum that builds both technical and clinical expertise. The training year includes dedicated rotations in cardiac operating rooms, cardiothoracic intensive care, electrophysiology, structural heart and echocardiography. Fellows care for high-acuity adult patients with advanced heart disease, gaining experience with heart failure, mechanical circulatory support and complex reoperative surgery.
The educational curriculum includes weekly didactics, case-based conferences, multidisciplinary rounds and board review sessions. Echocardiography training is a core component, with time set aside for both TEE and TTE interpretation, image acquisition and exam prep. Fellows work toward Advanced TEE certification and are supported through structured review sessions and access to expert mentors.
Fellows take graded calls with 24/7 faculty backup and are encouraged to grow into independent consultants throughout the year. A balance of autonomy and guidance helps build leadership, communication and decision-making skills in and out of the OR.
Elective time allows fellows to tailor the experience to their goals, with options for additional training in perfusion, heart failure, research or other academic interests.
