Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship Alumni

Academics, Clinical Assistant Professor, Division Chief of Critical Care Medicine
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Anesthesiology

Why did you choose a fellowship at THI/Baylor? What do you think sets the fellowship at THI/Baylor apart from others?
I wanted to go to a powerhouse cardiac program. I wanted to work at a place that combined the history of cardiac surgery with the innovation of mechanical circulatory support. THI is a busy institution where fellows get to do all of their own cases and really learn from some of the best surgeons and cardiac anesthesiologists in the world.

Looking back on your time here at THI/Baylor, what stands out to you about your training?
The people there. The surgeons operated like no one else I have ever encountered. They were fast, methodical, and it was a pleasure learning from them. The cardiac anesthesiologists are the cream of the crop. They are efficient, smart, and technically some of the best I have ever seen. On top of all that skill, the cardiac anesthesiologists are kind, humble, and fun to be around.

Was your fellowship experience helpful in obtaining your current position? How did your fellowship at THI/Baylor help prepare you for your current practice?
YES! I have a combination practice of critical care anesthesia in the CVTICU and cardiothoracic anesthesiology in the OR. My fellowship prepared me for all of the possible scenarios I would encounter as an attending and helped shape my teaching style for a career in academics.

How was your experience living in Houston?
FUN! Lots of eating, enjoying the outdoors, and heat...lots and lots of heat. My husband and I loved living in Houston and the connections we made. I wouldn't trade that year for anything!

Can you provide one anecdote from your time here that reflects your positive experience here?
It didn't matter what time it was in the morning, if we were ready to roll back, we DID. THI operated at a level of efficiency that is unparalleled. It was an invaluable experience for me and helped me gain the skillset I needed to succeed in my current position.

Director QA/QI for Department of Anesthesiology
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
Divisions of Adult General and Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology
Washington University in St. Louis
(Previously in private practice for two years at Clearlake Regional Hospital)

Why did you choose a fellowship at THI/Baylor? What do you think sets the fellowship at THI/Baylor apart from others?
When I began to look at programs, THI was a place I was interested in because one of my residency attending’s (Rachel Gryta), had recently graduated from there. Seeing the Texas Medical Center for the first time was amazing for me. The scale of it is hard to comprehend without seeing it in person. The interview day gave deep insight into daily life as a THI fellow. The attendings were personable but very knowledgeable (I recognized several from recent publications and SCA meetings). The fellows were independent and highly productive (high numbers of big cases like TAAA, VADS and transplants, no issues getting TEEs, ability to moonlight easily in the system). I felt I had a good sense of what my day-to-day life would be and for me personally and professionally THI was the best fit.

Looking back on your time here at THI/Baylor, what stands out to you about your training?
After fellowship, I felt very strong clinically going into a fast-paced PP experience in Houston. What I did not appreciate until coming back to academics, was the acuity of the care we gave at THI. THI is a referral center for the entire United States (especially for aorta work). The hands-on environment made me a very strong anesthesiologist, not just in the OR but in trauma cases and vascular surgeries. I have become a true consultant in regards to hemodynamics, and challenging and coagulopathic patients.

Was your fellowship experience helpful in obtaining your current position?
Absolutely! Beyond developing my clinical skills and being able to become certified in advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography, THI is a standout on any CV. Both anesthesiologists and surgeons are intrigued about the historical and current practices at THI. It’s known for producing smart and clinically sound anesthesiologists (a total package). The faculty at THI are well known with numerous publishing’s and presentations (I was able to publish in a major journal and present at SCA during my year); which helped me obtain an academic position.

How did your fellowship at THI/Baylor help prepare you for your current practice?
My training afforded me the luxury to feel confident enough to walk into any large academic institution and participate in any case that was presented to me, even TAAAs where I’m at an expert level.

Can you provide one anecdote from your time here that reflects your positive experience here?
July 1, my first day of fellowship, I was in a Joseph Coselli Bentall procedure when I realized that I was having a conversation with one of the world’s best surgeons about whether they should spare or replace the aortic valve. It was great!” 

How was your experience living in Houston?
I fell in love with Houston during my fellowship. Houston has a distinctly metropolitan feel (great museums and public parks) with all the benefits of living in Southern Texas (nice winter weather, proximity to the beach and RODEO). The food scene is second to none. I also had two young children during fellowship. There is good childcare in TMC (the YMCA) with pretty robust hours.

Private Practice Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist
U.S. Anesthesia Partners

I am part of the fellowship class of 2018. I am currently a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist in Houston, Texas, covering seven heart and vascular institutes in the greater Houston area. As a native Houstonian, there are many reasons I chose Texas Heart Institute as my top choice for fellowship. The one attribute that stood out most was the people. Not only were the faculty very knowledgeable and leaders in the field of CV Anesthesia, but they also made it a priority that every fellow is part of the THI family for life. I still keep in close contact with many of the fellows and faculty and consider them lifelong friends. From my interview day to the day I graduated, every faculty member and staff treated me with the utmost respect and made sure by the time I graduated that I practiced these same principles that were taught to me during my fellowship. 

Another aspect that separates Texas Heart Institute from many of the other programs I interviewed at was the complexity and volume of cases I experienced as a fellow. From having the opportunity to work with one of the world's most famous aorta surgeons (Dr. Joseph Coselli) and the large volume of aorta surgeries to cutting edge minimally invasive valve surgery, robotic CABGs, thoracic, congenital heart surgery, TAVRS, TMVRs, complex TEE physiology and many more. Texas Heart Institute prepared me for any case I have experienced as an attending. In practice, I felt more than prepared to tackle any case, whether cardiothoracic or general cases. I attribute this confidence to my training at Texas Heart Institute. As a fellow from THI, I was able to secure my current position in private practice within my first month of starting the fellowship. Texas Heart graduates’ practice all over the United States and the world and are leaders in the field of cardiothoracic anesthesia. 

Looking back, training at Texas Heart Institute for my fellowship was one of the best decisions I made in my professional career. It has set me up for many opportunities and for rapid career advancement. I would highly recommend Texas Heart Institute to any individual who wants the highest level of training while also wanting a family-like atmosphere that provides the best experience for every fellow.