Fellowships

Ambulatory

Ambulatory Anesthesia

Two fellowship positions are offered for the duration of one year.

The goal of this fellowship is to develop outstanding consultants in anesthesia for ambulatory surgery.

The fellow will:

• Develop advanced skills in clinical assessment and evaluation of patients for ambulatory surgery, total intravenous anesthesia, regional anesthesia techniques and conscious sedation.
• Plan and carry out research projects relevant to ambulatory anesthesia.
• Develop experience in managing an outpatient surgery unit under the supervision of the medical director.
• Participate in teaching and clinical instruction.
• Rotate to Regional Practice Site to provide ambulatory anesthesia in free-standing ambulatory centers.

Robert Helfand, MD Director, Ambulatory Anesthesia Fellowship Program Phone: 216.444.0185 | Fax: 216.444.9247 Email: helfanr@ccf.org

Cardiothoracic

Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology

The Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship program at Cleveland Clinic started in 1976, and has consistently attracted large numbers of fellows from numerous U.S. residency programs. As an ACGME accredited program with 16 positions, our program has more fellows than any other program in the country, in part because of its association with the largest heart center in the United States. Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute has been ranked #1 in the nation for 20 consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report. As a result, fellows in the program are able to participate in a large variety of complex, high acuity cases, and are taught by nationally recognized experts in the field of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology. This experience far exceeds the minimum fellowship requirements set forth by the ACGME. The fellows also work alongside nationally and internationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeons. The curriculum offers a wide variety and large volume of cases that are not available in many institutions. Fellows leave the program with the ability to practice their specialty with the utmost knowledge and confidence. Along with many fellows, the departmental research project oversees a broad range of subjects while studying design.

The specialty of cardiothoracic anesthesiology was established at Cleveland Clinic and our Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology was the first in the world. Every year, the department provides anesthesia for more than 4,000 cardiac and more than 1,000 thoracic surgical cases, as well as short and long-term care for these patients.

Program Overview

The Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship program at Cleveland Clinic started in 1976, and has consistently attracted large numbers of fellows from numerous U.S. residency programs. As an ACGME accredited program with 16 positions, our program has more fellows than any other program in the country, in part because of its association with the largest heart center in the United States. Cleveland Clinic Heart and Vascular Institute has been ranked #1 in the nation for 21 consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report. As a result, fellows in the program are able to participate in a large variety of complex, high acuity cases, and are taught by nationally recognized experts in the field of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology. This experience far exceeds the minimum fellowship requirements set forth by the ACGME. The fellows also work alongside nationally and internationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeons. The curriculum offers a wide variety and large volume of cases that are not available in many institutions. Fellows leave the program with the ability to practice their specialty with the utmost knowledge and confidence.

The specialty of cardiothoracic anesthesiology was established at Cleveland Clinic and our Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology was the first in the world. Every year, the department provides anesthesia for more than 4,000 cardiac and more than 1,000 thoracic surgical cases, as well as short and long-term care for these patients.

The one-year clinical fellowship includes:

• Rotations in anesthesia for adult cardiac surgery
• Anesthesia for adult thoracic surgery
• Cardiovascular surgical intensive care
• Transesophageal echocardiography
• Research (elective)
• Perfusion (elective)
• Quality and Patient Safety
• TTE and Imaging (elective)

Applications for 2019 are being accepted for review through the SF Match as of November 15, 2017.

Requirements

Please be advised that Cleveland Clinic participates in the SF Match Central Application Service (CAS). By participating in the match, programs and applicants are agreeing to follow the rules set by the SF Match. No appointments will be made prior to the match, and all parties will be bound by the match results.

In order to be eligible for a fellowship position, all applicants must have completed a U.S. Anesthesiology Residency at an ACGME-accredited ABA training program, and passed all parts of the USMLE exam (or its equivalent). We also welcome Canadian applicants. Graduates of foreign medical schools must provide a ECFMG certificate.

All application materials must be sent directly to the SF Match.

Applicant registration began November 15, 2017
Application Deadline: March 30, 2018
Please note that although registration is open up until the rank list deadline, applicants are encouraged to register as early as possible to allow time for application review and interviews.

In order to register for the match, go to sfmatch.org and follow the online instructions.

Visit this link to read the FAQS: https://www.sfmatch.org/SpecialtyInsideAll.aspx?id=24&typ=1&name=Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology#.

We will begin the interview process in early February, and will continue interviewing candidates through April. We have 16 positions, and typically interview 85 applicants from a pool of approximately 200 applications. The timing of the interview will have no bearing on the selection process.

Cardiac Anesthesia Scholarly Activities

Cleveland Clinic Cardiac Anesthesia Fellows will successfully complete a scholarly activity during their Fellowship year in order to fulfill requirements for certification by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The objectives of this scholarly activity are:

1. To achieve a level of expertise in a specific area through a thorough review of the literature.
2. To improve understanding of the methods of investigation.
3. To learn critical review of the literature.
4. To understand the process of investigation.
5. To prepare an abstract/case report for publication and/or presentation.

Potential scholarly activities include research projects, presentation of a case report/case series, or publication of an echo rounds. Alternatively, fellows can participate in a well researched quality improvement project. Each Fellow is assigned a Staff Anesthesiologist mentor for the purpose of guiding and directing the development of this project.. All Fellows are encouraged to submit this project for publication and/or presentationat a local or national scientific meeting. In addition, all Fellows will present their work at the Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Research Day, which is routinely scheduled in June at the end of the Fellowship year.

Our Cardiac Anesthesia Fellows have access to the Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Registry, which collects extensive intraoperative and postoperative data from thousands of patients who have undergone cardiothoracic surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Recent projects that have been presented at the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists national annual meeting have included, "Deeper Levels of Anesthesia are Associated with Worse Neurological Outcomes in Cardiac Surgical Patients" and "Do Insulin-Sensitizing Oral Hypoglycemics Influence Postoperative Outcomes In Type 2 Diabetic Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery?"

Some scholars choose to write a Case Report, Case Series or Echo Rounds. A recent Fellow authored an echo rounds that was published in Anesthesia and Analgesia entitled, "Aortic Valve Homograft: A Rare Cause of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction." Other Fellows have presented medically challenging cases at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Scientific Meeting, including: "Echocardiographic Guidance for Fluid Resuscitation in Noncardiogenic Pulmonary Edema" and "Postoperative Myocardial Infarction in a Patient with Coronary Stents."

Testimonials

"The year that I spent at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology (2005-06) was the best of my medical training. The exposure to complex cases in an environment that encouraged learning, and with the support of an exceptional team of Anesthesiologists, provided me with the tools and skills that I needed when I first entered medical practice. The CTA team successfully provided mentorship, guidance and friendship throughout my training and for that I am grateful. CTA launched me into the world of Cardiac Anesthesia and I have never looked back!"

Benjamin Sohmer MD, FRCPC
Assistant Professor
Department of Cardiac Anesthesiology
University of Ottawa Heart Institute

"Cleveland Clinic has the case volume and complexity to prepare the graduate for any future cardiac anesthesia job. The anesthesia staff and CRNA's show how team work, efficiency and education can be blended in a high volume practice. The environment at Cleveland Clinic prepares today's fellows to think not only about clinical practice and education but about cost effectiveness and quality."

"The true testimonial of Cleveland Clinic Anesthesia comes from what people outside anesthesia say about us. When the chair of cardiac surgery introduces me to people visiting the CVICU here at Vanderbilt he states, "This is Dr. Wagner our director who trained at Cleveland Clinic."

"When counseling our residents about fellowships I tell them to look for two things. Enough case volume and complexity to learn what you need to learn to be a good doctor and look at the staff you will be working with, is there a good clinical fit. Cleveland Clinic sets the bar for both."

Chad Wagner, MD
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Cardiac Surgery
Medical Director CVICU
Medical Director CVICU Nurse Practitioners
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

"Prior to initiating my fellowship training, I was aware of the reputation and prestige that surrounded Cleveland Clinic: so much history and education, so many books well crafted, so many students well taught, and so many initiatives well directed."

"I came into this circle with an educational purpose of my own and quickly recognized I was working within a department that took pride in the maintenance of excellence and life long learning. The focus was always quality care and this was instituted by staff members that had great technical and tactical awareness, sportsmanship, self worth, leadership skills, versatility, and a demanding vision. Throughout my training, I was humbled, a bit shamed, but most importantly, nurtured and strengthened to probe my boundaries as a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist. Upon completion, I was able to transition into my community hospital practice confidently as the foundation was provided to optimize the perioperative care of cardiac, thoracic, and vascular patients. In addition, I was well versed in utilizing transesophageal echocardiography to guide intraoperative therapy and interventions. Lastly, I was proud to walk out of the Cleveland Clinic as a member of a well respected fraternity of colleagues that I can turn to or rely upon for life."

Joshua D. Constable, DO
Cardiovascular Anesthesiologist
Dubois Regional Medical Center
Dubois, PA

Jennifer Hargrave DO, FAOCA Director, Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Fellowship Program Phone: 216.445.7160 | Fax: 216.445.2536 Email: hargraj@ccf.org

Critical Care

Critical Care Medicine

Critical care fellowship program at Anesthesiology Institute,Cleveland Clinic is a one year ACGME accredited training program.It has been one of the largest and most successful anesthesiology critical care fellowship programs for many years with 10 graduating fellows per year in United States.

The goal of the fellowship program is to provide comprehensive training and experience in critical care medicine.

The fellow will:

• Develop a unique opportunity to provide excellent primary care to critically ill surgical patients.
• Develop outstanding skills in state-of-the-art clinical, educational, investigative and administrative aspects of critical care medicine.

Fellowship rotations include the following:

• Surgical ICU
• Cardiothoracic ICU
• Neurocritical care
• TEE/Bronchoscopy
• Regional practice
• Elective -2 months

We welcome you to explore our training program, contact us for more information and select us as your future training destination.

Piyush Mathur, MD Director, Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program Phone: 216.444.6332 | Fax: 216.444.7360 Email: mathurp@ccf.org

Liver Transplant

Liver Transplant Anesthesia Fellowship

The Anesthesiology Institute at The Cleveland Clinic offers two positions in a one-year non- ACGME accredited fellowship in Liver Transplant Anesthesia. This unique opportunity is open to applicants who have completed an ACGME approved anesthesiology residency and can obtain an unrestricted medical license in the state of Ohio.

The primary goal of this program is to prepare fellows to become leaders in Liver Transplant Anesthesia. The Cleveland Clinic is well equipped to accomplish with 12 transplant anesthesiologists performing approximately150 liver and intestinal transplants per year.

Fellows will:

• Primarily participate in perioperative management of liver transplant patients, including invasive line placement, hemodynamic management, massive transfusion, management of coagulopathy using thromboelastography, transesophageal echocardiography, and veno-venous bypass.
• Participate in intestinal, multivisceral (liver, intestine, pancreas) transplants and major hepatobiliary procedures.
• Be involved in the multidisciplinary pre-operative evaluation of liver transplant candidates.
• Participate in the liver transplant selection committee meetings with staff.

This fellowship program offers elective rotations including Surgical ICU, and Transfusion Medicine. In addition to clinical time, each fellow has the opportunity to be granted non-clinical time to work on a research project.

The Liver Transplant Fellowship Program also offers the opportunity to qualified candidates to work as staff (Limited Clinical Practitioner) supervising residents and CRNAs one day per week.

How to Apply for this Fellowship
All candidates must submit the following to be considered for a position:

• Application form
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• USMLE scores if applicable
• In-training examination scores
• Three letters of recommendation (one letter must be from your Anesthesiology Program Director)

Send application to:
Anesthesiology Institute
c/o Holly Bennett, Program Manager
Center for Anesthesiology Education
9500 Euclid Avenue / E3-30
Cleveland, OH 44195

Jacek Cywinski, MD
Director, Liver Transplantation Anesthesia Fellowship
Phone: 216.444.2305 | Fax: 216.445.0605
Email: cywinsj@ccf.org

Neurosurgical

Neurosurgical Anesthesia

The Neurosurgical Anesthesia Fellowship Program at Cleveland Clinic Foundation is designed to train anesthesiologists competent in anesthetic management of complicated neurosurgical and spine surgeries. This one year program prepares its graduates for leading positions in this field motivating them in initiation and continuation of clinical or basic science studies in neurosurgical anesthesia. The clinical portion offers a wide variety of cases. The participants will receive formal education in the neuro-intensive care unit, neurophysiologic monitoring, and trans-esophageal echocardiogram. The scope of departmental research projects covers a broad range of study designs and fellows are required to participate in research activities. The fellows are also expected to participate in residents teaching.

Currently two fellows are selected for this program each year. Although American Board of Anesthesiology certification is not a requirement for application, it will be highly valued in the selection process. In addition, in-training and USMLE examination scores during residency, motivation to pursue a career in neurosurgical anesthesiology and critical care, verbal and written communication skills, professional conduct, record of scholarly activity and letters of recommendation are taken into consideration in the application process before a position is offered to the applicant.

Obstetric Anesthesia

Two fellowship positions are offered for the duration of one year.
The goal is to create experts in Obstetric Anesthesia.

The fellow will:

• Develop advanced skills in all aspects of obstetric anesthesia, including all applications of regional anesthesia.
• Develop consultant skills in fetal assessment, fetal monitoring and neonatal resuscitation.
• Become skilled in anesthesia management of high risk pregnancy and parturients with serious co-morbidities.
• Learn the practice management skills necessary to run an obstetric anesthesiology service.

Rafi Avitsian, MD Director, Neuroanesthesia Fellowship Program Phone: 216.444.9735 | Fax: 216.444.2294 Email: avitsir@ccf.org

Obstetrics

Obstetric Anesthesia

Two fellowship positions are offered for the duration of one year.
The goal is to create experts in Obstetric Anesthesia. 

The fellow will:

• Develop advanced skills in all aspects of obstetric anesthesia, including all applications of regional anesthesia.
• Develop consultant skills in fetal assessment, fetal monitoring and neonatal resuscitation.
• Become skilled in anesthesia management of high risk pregnancy and parturients with serious co-morbidities.
• Learn the practice management skills necessary to run an obstetric anesthesiology service.

McCallum Hoyt, MD Director, Obstetric Anesthesia Fellowship Program Phone: 440.312.5259 | Fax: 216.444.9247 Email: hoytm@ccf.org/td>

Outcomes Research

The Department of Outcomes Research has more than 65 full-time employees, making it by far the world’s largest and most productive clinical anesthesia research site. The Department typically conducts about 150 simultaneous studies, including the specialty’s largest randomized trials. Studies span the range from epidemiology and public health to randomized trials. The Department publishes a full paper every 4.5 days. Research fellows are involved in every aspect of the Department’s work.

The Department offers 18 two-year clinical research fellowships. The fellowship consists of practical training and experience in the conduct of clinical research, along with formal study meetings, administrative meetings, and a weekly formal course in clinical research methodology. Fellows also have opportunities to design studies and write manuscripts.

Clinical care is not part of the program; but because our research is patient-oriented, there is considerable contact with clinicians and exposure to anesthesia, surgery, pain management, and critical care.

Most of our applicants are international medical graduates who appreciate research experience in the United States. We have an outstanding history of getting our fellows into residency programs. The program is competitive, with more than 100 applicants per year. Competitive international applicants have previous anesthesia experience and/or previous serious research experience as indicated by numerous peer-reviewed publications.

Application

Our paid positions require USMLE certification and eligibility for an Ohio training license. They also require a written two-year commitment. Do not apply unless you meet both requirements. Fellows who are funded by their own institutions or are self-funded do not require a license and may come for shorter periods.

There is no specific application form, and we welcome inquiries any time. Please include your curriculum vitae and your USMLE scores. 

Contact
Alparslan Turan, MD
Associate Professor
Director of student and fellow recruiting
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave. — P77
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.445.9857
Email: turana@ccf.org

Pain Medicine

Cleveland Clinic’s Pain Medicine Fellowship Program is the largest and one of the most prestigious programs in the United States. The goal of our program is to train future leaders and consultants in pain management practice and research. Up to ten ACGME-approved positions are offered for a 12-month or 24-month fellowship in multidisciplinary pain medicine. The 24-month fellowship positions are offered to candidates with the potential to become future academic leaders of research and clinical care in pain management. This unique opportunity takes advantage of the internationally renowned leadership role of Cleveland Clinic in interventional pain management and outcomes research within anesthesiology and pain medicine.

Fellows are valued colleagues in our multidisciplinary Pain Management team. We evaluate 100 to 120 patients and perform 50 to 60 interventional procedures daily, using state of the art technology and equipment in the Chronic Pain Management Center which has 20 examination rooms and six procedure suites. In addition, we admit patients to the hospital and provide monitored intrathecal and/or epidural infusion therapies. We also provide chronic and cancer pain inpatient consultation service to all specialties/departments of Cleveland Clinic. We emphasize team work and strive to provide the highest quality of patient care, education, and research. Our team is composed of a large number of expert pain physicians, fellows, residents, physician assistants, nurses, and other supporting staff.

Fellows are required to rotate through the following disciplines and services:

• Chronic Pain Management (core rotation, eight months)
• Neurology rotation: Headaches and Facial Pain Center (two–four weeks)
• Cancer Pain and Palliative Medicine (two - four weeks)
• Psychiatry for Pain Specialist (two–four weeks)
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (two weeks)
• Pediatric Pain Rehabilitation (two weeks)
• Acute Pain and Regional Anesthesia (two weeks)
• Neuroradiology (two weeks)
• Anesthesiology for the Non-Anesthesiologist
• Outcomes Research Rotation (optional)

During the fellowship year, fellows are expected to design and engage in a research project. The Anesthesiology Institute will facilitate required time and resources.

The Cleveland Clinic Pain Medicine Fellowship Program promotes and participates in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) for Pain Fellowship Application. We have committed all of our 10 positions to the Match and will no longer offer off cycle positions. In addition, we promote the future use of Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) to streamline the application process that would be more convenient to the applicants.

To Apply for a Fellowship

Beginning with the 2015 recruitment, we will be participating in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for all positions. Paper applications will no longer be accepted directly to the program. Our application requirements are the same as the standard ERAS application:

• Complete Application
• CV
• Personal Statement
• USMLE and In-training scores
• Copies of medical diploma and ECFMG Certificate
• Three letters of recommendation (one must be from the Program Director)

If you have additional questions concerning our program, please contact the Pain Medicine Fellowship Coordinator, Mickeyla Patterson at 216.445.9421

Jianguo Cheng, MD, PhD Director, Pain Medicine Fellowship Mickeyla Patterson, Program Coordinator Phone: 216.445.9421 | Fax: 216.445.7928 Email: patterm2@ccf.org

Pediatric

Pediatric Anesthesia

Cleveland Clinic Department of Pediatric Anesthesiology is a great place to learn, not only because the hospital gives all its patients, child and adult, world-class care, but also because of the great variety and complexity of the cases we handle here. Residents and fellows get exceptional experience with the tremendous variety of cases that come through our world-renowned Pediatric service and because of the Clinic's specialty in cardiac cases including congenital cardiac cases. Because our department has the wherewithal and reputation to handle the youngest and sickest patients, interns, residents and fellows in Pediatric Anesthesiology are provided experience they can get nowhere else.

Four positions are offered each year. Fellows will receive training in all aspects of clinical pediatric anesthesia, including premedication, induction, invasive monitoring, postoperative care and acute pain management. The full range of pediatric anesthesia cases will be incorporated. Pediatric Intensive Care Training is included.

For additional information or to request an application, please contact our office at pediatricanesthesiafellowship@ccf.org

Pilar Castro, MD Director, Pediatric Anesthesia Fellowship Program Phone: 216.636.7011 | Fax: 216.444.9247 Email: castrop2@ccf.org

Regional Anesthesiology

Regional Anesthesiology

The Anesthesia institute (AI) at Cleveland Clinic offers two positions for a one year fellowship in Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain management. The goal of this fellowship is to graduate anesthesiologists skilled in regional anesthesia and acute postoperative pain management who will have the requisite skills to become academic leaders and/or become directors of regional anesthesia and acute pain services. The Cleveland Clinic is ranked as one of the top 5 hospitals by the US News and World report and there are more than 26,000 inpatient and 69,000 outpatient surgeries performed annually. In addition, it is ranked as one of the top 3 Orthopedic surgery programs in the country.

The regional anesthesia and acute pain management fellowship is an integral component of the Cleveland Clinic missioin, which is : To provide better care of the sick, investigation into their problems, and further education of those who serve.

By the end of the training year, the fellows are expected to:

• Independently perform comprehensive assessments and serve as a consultant for various perioperative pain management treatments for surgical patients with or without underlying chronic pain conditions.
• Independently perform neuraxial and peripheral regional anesthesia techniques including but not limited to:
  • Spinal anesthesia
  • Lumbar and thoracic epidural anesthesia
  • Upper Extremity blocks above and below the clavicle
  • Lower Extremity blocks
  • Trunk blocks
• Formulate a comprehensive multimodal analgesic plan relevant to a wide variety of surgical procedures.
• Guide and assist junior residents in the performance of regional anesthesia procedures under Ultrasound-guidance and peripheral nerve stimulation.
• Independently identify, evaluate and manage perianesthetic complications related to regional anesthesia and analgesic medications.
• Formulate and implement analgesic plans that include consideration of medical, anesthetic and surgical risk factors, as well as patient preference, for complex patients and procedures.
• Demonstrate leadership skills to coordinate team based patient care amongst various surgical teams.
• Participates in performance improvement efforts to improve patient outcomes.
• Understand the role of the acute pain service within the healthcare system and use system resources to facilitate patient care and optimize cost effective and safe longitudinal perioperative care for surgical patients.
• Understand healthcare costs and billing for acute pain care services.
• Design and engage in a relevant research project.

How to Apply for this Fellowship

All candidates must submit the following to be considered for a position:

• Application form
• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• USMLE or COMLEX scores
• In-training examination scores
• Three letters of recommendation (one letter must be from your Anesthesiology Program Director)

Send application to:

Anesthesiology Institute
c/o Mickeyla Patterson, Program Coordinator
Center for Anesthesiology Education
9500 Euclid Ave. / C25
Cleveland, OH 44195
T: 216.445.9421
F: 216.445.7928
Patterm2@ccf.org

Loran Mounir Soliman, MD Director, Regional Anesthesia and Acute pain Management Fellowship Program Email: mounirl@ccf.org