An important part of the training program will be evaluation and feedback. The fellows will be evaluated at specific intervals and feedback about their progress will be given to them by the faculty members. These fellows will also have the opportunity to evaluate the faculty. It is mandatory for the fellows to maintain a log of the operative procedures. The log will be submitted for formal evaluation at specific intervals and the fellows will be responsible for maintaining the CPSP logbook and guidelines.
Educational Overview of Program:
First Year of Fellowship
The first year’s program is directed towards building the foundations, with the knowledge of cardiac surgery. The fellows are expected to develop clinical skills by taking medical history and performing physical examinations. They are expected to understand the fundamentals of cardiac surgery, perioperative & intraoperative care and to learn about the special techniques and diagnostic tests used in the specialty. Operative exposure will include dissemination of skills of conduit harvesting and perform sternotomy etc. During this first-year program, fellows are expected to present a research proposal for dissertation writings.
Second Year of Fellowship
The second year’s program expands upon the skills developed from the first year. Increased responsibilities of fellows will include involvement in patient consultation, managing patients in the outpatient clinic, and refining diagnostic and treatment skills. Further surgical technical skills are learned. Operative judgment and Intra-operative management is emphasized. Fellows will have a meaningful experience of Cardiology rotation during this year. Thoracic surgery rotation is also done during this year and fellows will also be encouraged for research activity including synopsis writing and working on a dissertation.
Third Year of Fellowship
In the third year, fellows will be given senior responsibilities in the management of patients. The fellow develops refined knowledge and experience in the management of various surgical procedures, treatment of perioperative events or complications and rehabilitative techniques. The experience of pediatric cardiac surgery will be gained by the off-campus pediatric cardiac surgery rotation. Fellows will be responsible for sending their dissertation for approval during this year.
Fourth and Final Year of Fellowship
Fellowship is when the fellow has the senior most responsibilities in the team. They shall conduct morning rounds, identify and rectify problems too. Administrative responsibilities include making on-call and academic calendar. In the fourth year, the fellow will be performing cardiac surgical procedures under supervision. They shall manage patients independently and formulate treatment plans. New skills will be accomplished in the area of major emphasis. During this final year, fellows shall be encouraged to take the CPSP examinations.