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Fellowship Program Description – The University of Chicago Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery
Candidates for the non-ACGME cardiothoracic transplantation surgery fellowship must be ECFMG certified, eligible for licensing in Illinois, have completed the equivalent of a US general surgery residency, have some thoracic surgery training, and have a desire to pursue a career in cardiothoracic transplant surgery. Please complete an application using the provided link and email to Zainab.Aslam@bsd.uchicago.edu.
PROGRAM DEMOGRAPHICS
Host institution: The University of Chicago Program subspecialty: Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery Program address: Section of Cardiac Surgery, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC5040, Chicago, IL 60637 Telephone: (773) 834-3707 Facsimile: 773-702-4187 Program email: Zainab.Aslam@bsd.uchicago.edu Program Director: Valluvan Jeevanandam, MD Alternate program contact: Zainab Aslam
INTRODUCTION
The University of Chicago has a long tradition of training surgeons in cardiothoracic surgery. Our Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery began in 2015 and offers surgeons interested in cardiothoracic transplantation an opportunity to gain 12–24 months of additional training based on the volume of heart and lung transplants performed annually.
DURATION
The program is 12–24 months in duration and includes advanced experiences appropriate for the trainee’s level of experience, year(s) of training, and demonstrated competencies. The curriculum is designed by the program director with input from section faculty.
PREREQUISITE TRAINING/SELECTION CRITERIA
Medical school completed Equivalent of an ACGME-approved residency in cardiothoracic surgery completed Focused and dedicated to a career in cardiothoracic surgery Ability to be licensed in Illinois (permanent or temporary) Appropriate letters of recommendation from training program director and/or mentors Good mentorship and physical health No criminal record Ability to work collaboratively with other physicians and staff
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR TRAINING
The goals align with ACGME competencies for fellow education, demonstrating increasing expertise in all aspects of patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal communication, systems-based practice, and professionalism. Fellows are exposed to the full spectrum of cardiothoracic transplant services, including heart and lung transplantation.
PROGRAM CERTIFICATION
Both heart and lung transplant programs have completed the CMS Transplant Certification process. Our mechanical circulatory support (MCS)/VAD program is Joint Commission certified.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM – BASIC CURRICULUM
Clinical and research components are available. There are opportunities to participate in clinical research, but participation is not required for successful completion of training. FELLOW RESPONSIBILITIES
Fellows are responsible for outpatient care goals including patient evaluation, diagnostic interpretation, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. They assess operative risks and manage postoperative conditions and complications. They design appropriate follow-up plans for short-term and long-term outcomes. Medical Knowledge:
Interpret and apply evidence-based knowledge to perioperative care, including information from journals, chapters, reviews, and online resources. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement:
Enhance scientific knowledge through access to up-to-date literature to inform diagnostic studies, treatment planning, and follow-up care. Interpersonal Skills:
Communicate with patients and families, explain testing and treatment planning, and obtain informed consent. Communicate findings with referring and parallel care physicians. Professionalism:
Demonstrate ethical behavior, continuity of care, and cultural sensitivity among patients and colleagues. Systems-Based Practice:
Provide high-quality, cost-effective care and understand the roles of different specialists in patient management. Interface with ancillary services for perioperative and postoperative care.
PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT AND POSTOPERATIVE CARE
The preoperative assessment and postoperative care of transplant patients are integral to the fellowship experience. Fellows perform or supervise initial consultations, conduct focused histories and physicals, review imaging and diagnostics, and make recommendations for surgical therapy. On the day of surgery, the fellow, with the attending, verifies patient identity, confirms consent and planned procedures, and manages preoperative care. Postoperatively, the fellow supervises orders and participates in daily rounds and patient management alongside the attending, with residents and other team members involved under supervision.
PROGRESSION OF TRAINING
Training progresses with incremental responsibility. Year 1 emphasizes organizing educational activities, supervising quality improvement, and developing foundational skills in preoperative and postoperative management. Year 2 expands independence in patient management and exposure to more complex cases as the operating surgeon, with direct supervision by attending faculty for critical portions of cases.
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Candidates for the non-ACGME cardiothoracic transplantation surgery fellowship must be ECFMG certified, eligible for licensing in Illinois, have completed the equivalent of a US general surgery residency, have some thoracic surgery training, and have a desire to pursue a career in cardiothoracic transplant surgery. Please complete an application using the provided link and email to Zainab.Aslam@bsd.uchicago.edu.
PROGRAM DEMOGRAPHICS
Host institution: The University of Chicago Program subspecialty: Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery Program address: Section of Cardiac Surgery, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC5040, Chicago, IL 60637 Telephone: (773) 834-3707 Facsimile: 773-702-4187 Program email: Zainab.Aslam@bsd.uchicago.edu Program Director: Valluvan Jeevanandam, MD Alternate program contact: Zainab Aslam
INTRODUCTION
The University of Chicago has a long tradition of training surgeons in cardiothoracic surgery. Our Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery began in 2015 and offers surgeons interested in cardiothoracic transplantation an opportunity to gain 12–24 months of additional training based on the volume of heart and lung transplants performed annually.
DURATION
The program is 12–24 months in duration and includes advanced experiences appropriate for the trainee’s level of experience, year(s) of training, and demonstrated competencies. The curriculum is designed by the program director with input from section faculty.
PREREQUISITE TRAINING/SELECTION CRITERIA
Medical school completed Equivalent of an ACGME-approved residency in cardiothoracic surgery completed Focused and dedicated to a career in cardiothoracic surgery Ability to be licensed in Illinois (permanent or temporary) Appropriate letters of recommendation from training program director and/or mentors Good mentorship and physical health No criminal record Ability to work collaboratively with other physicians and staff
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR TRAINING
The goals align with ACGME competencies for fellow education, demonstrating increasing expertise in all aspects of patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal communication, systems-based practice, and professionalism. Fellows are exposed to the full spectrum of cardiothoracic transplant services, including heart and lung transplantation.
PROGRAM CERTIFICATION
Both heart and lung transplant programs have completed the CMS Transplant Certification process. Our mechanical circulatory support (MCS)/VAD program is Joint Commission certified.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM – BASIC CURRICULUM
Clinical and research components are available. There are opportunities to participate in clinical research, but participation is not required for successful completion of training. FELLOW RESPONSIBILITIES
Fellows are responsible for outpatient care goals including patient evaluation, diagnostic interpretation, differential diagnosis, and treatment planning. They assess operative risks and manage postoperative conditions and complications. They design appropriate follow-up plans for short-term and long-term outcomes. Medical Knowledge:
Interpret and apply evidence-based knowledge to perioperative care, including information from journals, chapters, reviews, and online resources. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement:
Enhance scientific knowledge through access to up-to-date literature to inform diagnostic studies, treatment planning, and follow-up care. Interpersonal Skills:
Communicate with patients and families, explain testing and treatment planning, and obtain informed consent. Communicate findings with referring and parallel care physicians. Professionalism:
Demonstrate ethical behavior, continuity of care, and cultural sensitivity among patients and colleagues. Systems-Based Practice:
Provide high-quality, cost-effective care and understand the roles of different specialists in patient management. Interface with ancillary services for perioperative and postoperative care.
PREOPERATIVE ASSESSMENT AND POSTOPERATIVE CARE
The preoperative assessment and postoperative care of transplant patients are integral to the fellowship experience. Fellows perform or supervise initial consultations, conduct focused histories and physicals, review imaging and diagnostics, and make recommendations for surgical therapy. On the day of surgery, the fellow, with the attending, verifies patient identity, confirms consent and planned procedures, and manages preoperative care. Postoperatively, the fellow supervises orders and participates in daily rounds and patient management alongside the attending, with residents and other team members involved under supervision.
PROGRESSION OF TRAINING
Training progresses with incremental responsibility. Year 1 emphasizes organizing educational activities, supervising quality improvement, and developing foundational skills in preoperative and postoperative management. Year 2 expands independence in patient management and exposure to more complex cases as the operating surgeon, with direct supervision by attending faculty for critical portions of cases.
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