Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship
The Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago 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.
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.
About the Program
Clinical Rotations
Our fellows work closely with board-certified pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists, all of whom have completed specialized fellowship training in this field. 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, enabling them to master 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 a wide range of cardiac anesthesia settings.
Didactic Curriculum
Fellows engage in robust educational programming, including:
- Weekly Cardiac Anesthesia lecture series
Includes journal clubs and case-based discussions. - Quarterly "Matters of the Heart" grand rounds
Focused on interdisciplinary cardiac care topics. - Weekly Heart Center Quality Improvement conferences
Emphasizing patient safety, outcomes, and process improvement. - Simulation-Based Mastery Learning (SBML) curriculum in Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Covers cardiac, gastric, lung, and FAST imaging. - Participation in daily CICU/cardiac surgery rounds
When scheduling permits. - Optional Heart Center educational activities
Examples include:- Cardiac ICU rounds.
- Heart failure/VAD sessions.
- Cardiology lectures.
Benefits
In addition to McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University benefits and wellness resources, fellows receive:
- 2025–26 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 Aug. 1.
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
Graduate Research Resources
We offer a wide range of resources, mentorship opportunities and training to help our residents and fellows excel as physician-scientists. Explore all of the resources and hear from trainees who are making research a major part of their career development plans.