What clinical training do fellows receive in cardiothoracic anesthesiology?

Fellows in the Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at Tufts Medical Center receive immersive, hands-on training with consistent one-on-one faculty supervision. Clinical responsibilities are structured to support progressive autonomy, building both technical expertise and clinical confidence throughout the year.

From day one, fellows lead multidisciplinary rounds, deliver direct care, and perform high-level procedures. They also help supervise and teach residents and medical students, gaining valuable experience in education and teamwork.

Fellows work closely with cardiac surgery, heart failure and intensive care teams, building the clinical judgment needed for real-time, high-acuity decision-making. Over 12 months, fellows develop the skills to manage complex cardiac patients across a wide range of procedures—from routine adult cardiac surgeries to ventricular assist devices, structural heart interventions, thoracic cases and heart transplants.

Tufts Medical Center is among the most active heart transplant centers in New England, with nationally recognized programs in heart failure and mechanical circulatory support. Fellows benefit from a high-volume, high-complexity case mix that prepares them to confidently practice in both academic and private settings.

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.

Comprehensive hands-on training + expert mentorship in adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology

The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at Tufts Medical Center provides a personalized and immersive training experience, designed to prepare fellows for expert, independent practice. Fellows receive one-on-one intraoperative instruction from nationally recognized faculty, gaining hands-on experience in complex cardiac and thoracic procedures, including heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support and structural heart interventions.

Alongside clinical training, fellows participate in a robust didactic curriculum that features lectures, interdisciplinary case conferences, and focused echocardiography training. Dedicated rotations in transesophageal (TEE) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) prepare fellows to earn Advanced TEE certification through the National Board of Echocardiography.

The program encourages progressive responsibility, with fellows leading multidisciplinary rounds, managing perioperative care independently and teaching junior residents and students. Collaboration with cardiac surgery, heart failure and intensive care teams develops well-rounded clinical judgment and decision-making skills.

Career mentorship and protected elective time support individual interests, including research, perfusion and heart failure. Fellows also build leadership and communication skills through teaching opportunities, journal clubs and simulation training.

This comprehensive approach combines expert supervision, academic rigor and personalized mentorship to prepare graduates to excel as leaders in adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology.