Advanced Aortic Surgery Fellowship
The U-M Medical School Department of Cardiac Surgery offers a one-year, non-ACGME accredited Advanced Aortic Surgery Fellowship for surgeons who have completed either an integrated thoracic surgery residency or an independent cardiothoracic surgery fellowship.
For More Information
How to Apply
To apply, submit a cover letter detailing your interest in the program along with an updated CV to our Education Manager, Karen Bowring.
The application deadline is July 15, 2026.
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of a cardiothoracic surgery training program approved by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
- Board Certified or Board Eligible in cardiothoracic surgery in accordance with pathways established by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
- Eligibility to obtain and maintain a medical license in the State of Michigan.
- Authorization to work in the United States, including U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Residency (Green Card), or eligibility for H-1B visa sponsorship.
- Ability to successfully complete a background check and drug screening.
Curriculum
The Advanced Aortic Surgery Fellowship offers comprehensive training in both open and endovascular approaches to complex aortic conditions. Fellows are actively involved in the full spectrum of patient care, from preoperative evaluation and surgical management to postoperative recovery. The program provides fellows with the opportunity to work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment while engaging in clinical rounds, case discussions and educational conferences.
Fellows will gain extensive hands-on experience with conventional, hybrid, and minimally invasive procedures at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, a national leader in both aortic surgical volume and clinical outcomes. Our surgeons are at the forefront of developing new surgical techniques and train medical professionals from around the world. The surgical team performs over 1,200 aortic and aortic valve procedures annually, including some of the most complex procedures available today such as ascending grafts and branched arch grafts. This diverse case mix and access to state-of-the-art technology provides an unparalleled opportunity to refine surgical skills and enhance clinical decision-making in advanced aortic care.
The program balances intensive clinical experience with opportunities for cutting-edge research, preparing fellows to become skilled providers of critical care for patients with aortic, cardiac, thoracic and cardiovascular disorders. Upon completion, graduates will be positioned as leaders in the surgical treatment of complex aortic disease, equipped with advanced knowledge and technical expertise in this specialized area of practice.
- Perform preoperative evaluation, operative management, and postoperative care for patients with complex adult surgical conditions, including advanced aortic and aortic valve disease.
- Provide treatment for emergent and non-emergent aortic and aortic valve pathology through medical management as well as open and endovascular surgical techniques.
- Serve as operating surgeon, commensurate with experience, during complex aortic and aortic valve procedures under the supervision of attending aortic surgeons.
- Educate and mentor cardiothoracic surgery residents in the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of complex aortic and aortic valve disease.
- Independently perform critical portions of complex aortic surgical procedures.
- Participate in additional educational, academic, and scholarly activities as directed by the aortic surgery faculty in support of the mission of the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center.
Current Fellows
Our current fellows are completing advanced training under the mentorship of renowned specialists through programs that emphasize collaborative learning and professional distinction to prepare them for the next stage of their careers.
Recent Graduates
K. Candis Jones, MD, MScEng
Kenneth Hassler, DO
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Danbury Hospital
Danbury, CT
Farhang Yazdchi, MD
Cardiac Surgery
Jackson Health System
Miami, FL
Alexander Brescia, MD, MSc
Assistant Professor, Cardiothoracic Surgery
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO
Barbara Hamilton, MD, MS
Clinical Assistant Professor, Adult Cardiac Surgery
University of Michigan Health
Ann Arbor, MI
Sarah Palmer, MD, MS
Cardiac Surgery
Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute
Minneapolis, MN
Habib Jabagi, MD, MSc
Cardiac Surgery
Valley Health System
Paramus, NJ
Program Leadership
Bo Yang, MD, PhD
Medical School
Karen Bowring
See Where Training Takes Place
Advance your career at a high-volume academic medical center that excels in patient care while also leading groundbreaking research in basic science, translational studies, and clinical outcomes.
Health & Wellness
The health and well-being of our faculty, staff, and trainees remain paramount to our department's culture. Through onsite wellness programs and services, we offer diverse resources designed to support both you and your family.
Life in Ann Arbor
Every day brings another reason to love Ann Arbor, from year-round outdoor activities and vibrant cultural experiences to a thriving food scene and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Discover all that Ann Arbor and its surrounding communities have to offer.
