Advanced Cardiac Surgery Fellowship
The U-M Medical School Department of Cardiac Surgery offers a one-year, non-ACGME accredited Advanced Cardiac Surgery Fellowship designed for surgeons who have completed 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.
Applications are due July15, 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 Cardiac Surgery Fellowship program provides focused experience in the comprehensive management of complex cardiac patients, including preoperative evaluation and planning, operative techniques (both open and endovascular) and postoperative care and follow-up.
Fellows train in a highly collaborative, team-based environment that emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the needs of each patient. Through daily participation in multidisciplinary rounds and case conferences, fellows learn to synthesize input from various specialists, consider diverse treatment options and develop personalized care plans that optimize outcomes.
- Provide comprehensive treatment of cardiovascular disease using both open surgical and endovascular techniques.
- Perform preoperative evaluation, operative management, and postoperative care for patients with complex adult surgical conditions, including high-risk cardiac surgery cases.
- Serve as first assistant during complex adult cardiac surgical procedures.
- Educate and mentor cardiothoracic surgery residents in the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of complex cardiothoracic conditions.
- Interpret and assess diagnostic imaging studies to support clinical decision-making and surgical planning.
- Participate in both emergent and elective adult cardiac surgical procedures.
- Independently perform critical components of complex surgical procedures, including key anastomoses and re-operative sternotomy.
- Engage in additional educational, academic, and scholarly activities as directed by the Medical Director in support of the mission of the 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
Kevin Goodwin, MD, MBA, MS, MA (Advanced Fellow in Adult Cardiac Surgery)
Cardiac Surgery Associates
Downers Grove, IL
Tessa Watt, MD, MSc (Advanced Fellow in Mitral Valve & Heart Failure)
Assistant Professor, Cardiothoracic Surgery
University of Minnesota Medical School
Minneapolis, MN
Program Leadership
Himanshu J Patel
Multidisciplinary Aortic Program and Structural Heart Program
Interim Executive Director
Cardiac Surgery
Program Director
Cardiac Surgery
Section Head
Cardiac Surgery
Service Chief
Cardiac Surgery
Professor of Cardiac Surgery
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.
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