Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery - Fellowship

Candidates who are eligible for the University of Chicago non‑ACGME Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery Fellowship must be ECFMG certified, eligible for Illinois licensing, have completed a US general surgery residency equivalent, possess some thoracic surgery training, and be committed to a career in cardiothoracic transplant surgery. Please complete an application using the link provided and email Zainab.

Aslamicago.edu

Program Demographics

Host institution:
The University of Chicago

Program subspecialty:
Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery

Program address:
Section of Cardiac Surgery, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC5040, Chicago, IL 60637

Telephone:  | Facsimile:  | Email:
Zainab.

Aslamicago.edu

Program Director:
Valluvan Jeevanandam, MD

Alternate program contact:
Zainab Aslam

The University of Chicago has a long tradition of training surgeons in cardiothoracic surgery. The Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Transplantation Surgery began in 2015 and offers an additional 12–24 months of training at the University of Chicago Medicine, based on the high volume of heart and lung transplants performed annually.

The program lasts 12–24 months, with advanced experiences tailored to the trainee Select, year of training, and competency achievements. The curriculum is designed by the program director with input from section faculty.

Candidate trainees must:

• Have completed medical school and an ACGME‑approved residency in cardiothoracic surgery (or equivalent).
• Be focused and dedicated to a cardiothoracic surgery career.
• Be eligible to be licensed in Illinois (permanent or temporary).
• Provide letters of recommendation from training program directors or other mentors.
• Be in good mental and physical health, with no criminal record.
• Be able to work collaboratively with physicians and staff on the cardiothoracic service.

The program aligns with ACGME competencies, aiming to increase expertise in all aspects of patient care, medical knowledge, practice‑based learning, interpersonal communication, systems‑based practice, and professionalism. Fellows will be exposed to the full spectrum of heart and lung transplantation.

Both heart and lung transplant programs have completed the CMS Transplant Certification process. Our mechanical circulatory assist (MCS)/VAD program is Joint Commission certified.

Training occurs at University of Chicago Medicine campus, which includes a 575‑bed adult and children’s hospital, 28 operating rooms (4 dedicated to cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgery), 22 ICU beds, a cardiac catheterization laboratory, a medical library, and a 525,000‑sq‑ft outpatient building linked to both hospitals.

No formal research component is required; clinical experience is core. Optional clinical research participation is available but not mandatory.

CT transplant fellows evaluate patients pre‑operatively, perform surgeries, and manage postoperative care. Fellows may assist or serve as the primary surgeon under attending supervision, and will supervise general surgery residents, medical students, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners involved in cardiothoracic care.

Fellows will perform more than the minimum UNOS procedure count required to qualify as a transplant surgeon for heart and lung transplantation. The first year focuses on multidisciplinary teamwork and fundamentals of transplantation; the second year expands into broader cases and increased independence.

• Core curriculum in Thoracic Surgery – 3 times monthly – Mandatory
• Joint Quality Assurance (Thoracic Surgery) – Monthly – Mandatory
• UCM Adult Cardiac Conference – Weekly – Mandatory
• UCM Pediatric Cardiac Conference – Weekly – Elective
• UCM Heart Transplant Conference – Weekly – Mandatory
• UCM Thoracic Malignancies Staging Conference – Weekly – Elective
• UCM General Surgery Grand Rounds – Weekly – Elective
• UCM Quality Assurance (General Surgery) – Weekly – Elective
• UCM…