Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
In partnership with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
About the Fellowship
The Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship at Lurie Children’s Hospital is committed to training future leaders in the specialized field of pediatric cardiac anesthesia. This one-year program offers comprehensive clinical experience and academic instruction in the perioperative care of neonates, infants, children, and adults with congenital heart disease.
At Lurie Children’s, we understand that children with complex cardiac conditions require anesthetic management tailored to protect both their immediate health and long-term development. Through immersive clinical training across cardiac operating rooms, catheterization labs, echocardiography, and intensive care environments, fellows gain hands-on expertise to deliver outstanding care across the full spectrum of congenital heart disease.
Our fellows train within the nationally recognized Heart Center at Lurie Children’s, participating in more than 400 pediatric cardiac surgeries and 1,000 catheterization procedures annually. Our newly constructed, state-of-the-art, 360-bed facility is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, adjacent to Lake Michigan and Water Tower Place.
Supported by world-class faculty, innovative research opportunities, and a structured curriculum, our fellows exceed ACGME requirements and graduate ready to lead in the evolving field of pediatric cardiac anesthesiology.
Positions Available: We accept one fellow per year.
Program Director
Juan C. Ibla, MD, MS, FAAP
Division Head, Cardiac Anesthesiology
Vice-Chair for Academic Affairs, Department of Anesthesiology
Director of Perioperative Medicine, Heart Center
Associate Program Director
Michael A. Evans, MD, FAAP, FASA
Attending Physician, Cardiac Anesthesiology
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Department Chair
Olutoyin A. Olutoye, MD
Anesthesiologist-in-Chief
Department Chair of Pediatric Anesthesiology
Arthur C. King Professorship in Anesthesiology
About the Program
Clinical Rotations
Our fellows work closely with board-certified pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists, all of whom have completed specialized fellowship training. Clinical assignments are carefully structured and reviewed to ensure a robust, equitable experience.
|
Rotation |
Duration |
|
Cardiac ORs, Catheterization Suites, Diagnostic Imaging |
38 weeks |
|
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit |
4 weeks |
|
Echocardiography |
4 weeks |
|
Cardiopulmonary Bypass/Perfusion |
2 weeks |
|
Elective |
4 weeks |
Additional Education & Training
Core Training Goals
Our goal is to prepare fellows for independent practice in pediatric cardiac anesthesia, mastering perioperative management across a wide range of congenital heart defects. Fellows participate in:
- Direct anesthetic management with progressive independence
- Rotations in perfusion, cardiac intensive care, and echocardiography
- Multidisciplinary conferences and simulation-based learning
- Management of CHD patients outside the cardiac OR (e.g., non-cardiac surgeries, catheterization, medical imaging)
By graduation, fellows are expected to manage patients independently across diverse cardiac anesthesia settings.
Didactic Curriculum
Fellows engage in robust educational programming, including:
- Weekly Cardiac Anesthesia Lecture Series (with journal clubs)
- Quarterly "Matters of the Heart" Grand Rounds
- Weekly Heart Center Quality Improvement Conferences
- Simulation-Based Mastery Learning (SBML) curriculum in Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), covering cardiac, gastric, lung, and FAST imaging
- Participation in daily CICU/Cardiac Surgery rounds when possible
- Optional participation in Heart Center educational activities (e.g., cardiac ICU rounds, heart failure/VAD sessions, cardiology lectures)
- Attendance prioritized for the national Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia Core Fellowship Lecture Series webinars
Benefits
In addition to McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University benefits and wellness resources, fellows receive:
- 2024–2025 PGY-5 Salary: $87,376
- 20 paid vacation days
- 10 paid sick days
- 90 days of short-term disability leave (at 60% pay)
- 6 weeks of leave to welcome a child
- 1 week of meeting time (with program director approval)
- Meeting allowance for approved conference expenses
- Dedicated office space and computer
- Department-provided textbooks
Faculty
How to Apply
Applications are accepted year-round, with a GME-mandated Academic Year (AY) start date of August 1st.
Required application materials:
- Personal Statement
- Current Curriculum Vitae
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Completed McGaw Application Form
Please send application materials to:
Megan Janovsky
Program Coordinator
Email: CVAnesthesiaFellowship@luriechildrens.org
Why Northwestern?
Housestaff training through McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University provides diverse and challenging clinical experiences and world-class education located in the heart of the beautiful city of Chicago.
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