Cardiac Surgical Fellows Positions at RCH
The RCH cardiac unit accepts qualified cardiac surgical trainees as senior fellows, preferably for a period of one year. We typically employ four fellows at one time, and qualified applicants from all countries are invited to apply.
During the course of the year spent with us, a fellow can expect to acquire experience in pre, intra and postoperative management of all paediatric cardiac problems. There is an emphasis on complex and neonatal surgery. The unit also performs cardiopulmonary transplantation, circulatory support, and ECMO for non-cardiac problems. Applicants are expected to have some previous experience in paediatric cardiac surgery, as this job requires a significant commitment to post-operative management. Likewise, applicants should have had significant operative experience in either adult or paediatric cardiac surgery, and are expected to be technically facile. Experience as primary surgeon at the Royal Children’s Hospital will depend heavily on this factor, as well as a fellow’s commitment to care of the patient outside the operating theatre. There is ample opportunity for clinical research in the unit, and all fellows are expected to participate in preparation of a manuscript for presentation at an international meeting and/or publication..
Our fellow’s positions are highly competitive, and typically only 1 in 10 applicants will be successful. Therefore, although we would like to accommodate the many qualified surgeons who write to us, this will not always be possible. We therefore encourage you to apply to other units as well to avoid disappointment in your training. We usually reserve our fellow's positions for trainees who are planning on a career primarily in paediatric cardiac surgery.
How to apply
In the first instance, we require a letter outlining your situation and career goals. We also require a curriculum vitae, which you are welcome to update from time to time during the period of consideration. Finally, three letters of support from individuals who know your work well should be sent as soon as possible. A list of your operative experience, as assistant and primary surgeon, would also be a useful supporting document. Decisions regarding fellow’s jobs are made approximately one year in advance and you will be notified immediately when the decision has been made. Occasionally we have cancellations, and if this occurs, applicants will be notified immediately to assess their availability.
Contact addresses
We prefer to receive all communication by e-mail at the address given below. If this is not possible, then you can use the standard postal system. Also, members of our department are present at most major international cardiac surgical meetings and we would be happy to meet you and perhaps answer other questions. Likewise we have many former RCH fellows working around the world and you may be able to talk to one of them regarding particulars of the fellow's job at the RCH.