Advanced Cardiac Surgery - Structural Heart and Aortic Diseases Fellowship

Advanced Cardiac Surgery Fellowship - Structural Heart and Aortic Diseases Fellowship

This fellowship (Structural Heart and Aortic Diseases Fellowship) focuses on complex valve surgery and heart failure, including the surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, ranked in the top 10 cardiovascular centers in the US, performs nearly 2,000 cardiac surgeries annually, with over 500 valvular and aortic surgeries, of which 200 are complex mitral valve repairs, 200 aortic root procedures (valve-sparing, Ross, and replacement), and 100 ascending/arch/thoraco-abdominal aneurysms. The institute also offers a robust program in percutaneous valve experience including over 300 TAVR, 50 MitraClip, 30 TMVR, and 20 TTVR cases. Additionally, over 100 heart transplantations/VAD implantations are performed each year. Clinical research opportunities are also available and strongly encouraged. As a member of the Division of Cardiac Surgery, fellows will have the opportunity to work with our cardiac faculty throughout the Northwestern system (8 cardiac surgeons at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 2 cardiac surgeons at Central DuPage Hospital, 2 cardiac surgeons at Palos Hospital and 2 cardiac surgeon at McHenry Hospital). 

Each year, open positions are posted on CTS Net. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received - with a holistic review. Only applications that are received in full are reviewed. If selected to interview, the coordinator will reach out for virtual availability.

Clinical research opportunities are also available and strongly encouraged.

Requirements and Eligibility

These one year fellowship programs are available for individuals seeking additional training in cardiac surgery,  who have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited Thoracic Surgery program (or equivalent) and are eligible for medical licensure in the State of Illinois.

This is a 12-month experience on the adult cardiac surgery service at Feinberg's clinical affiliate, Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Application Process

Please send the complete application to education coordinator, Hemali Shah , including the following:

• USMLE transcript
• Three letters of recommendation
• Certificate of Completion from U.S. or board-approved residency and/or fellowship program
• ABTS Certification or proof of eligibility (or equivalent)
• Visa documents (if applicable)