Intermountain Medical Center in Salt Lake City is offering advanced medical training through two specialized programs: a 12-month Advanced Practice Fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery and a 36-month Podiatry Residency. These programs provide intensive clinical experience in surgical and outpatient settings to prepare nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and residents for specialized medical careers.
Cardiothoracic Fellowship Training
The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Cardiac/Thoracic Surgery Fellowship is a 12-month program designed to prepare nurse practitioners and physician assistants for careers in cardiothoracic surgery. According to Intermountain Healthcare, the fellowship is a full-time, benefits-eligible position that offers potential for continued employment following completion of the program.
Clinical and Educational Curriculum
The curriculum for the cardiothoracic fellowship is divided between clinical practice and education. Clinical practice accounts for 80% of the curriculum and includes first assistance in the operating room for a wide variety of cardiac and thoracic surgeries. Fellows will also learn to independently harvest veins endoscopically and receive training in VATS and robotic assistance for thoracic cases. The clinical rotation also covers post-operative critical care, inpatient management, and outpatient clinical work.
Research and Professional Development
The educational component of the fellowship consists of 20% didactic instruction. This includes regularly scheduled grand rounds, case study presentations, online modules, journal clubs, and quarterly written exams administered by faculty. Fellows are also required to complete a clinical research project or case study to contribute to quality improvement and outcomes-focused work, with opportunities to present at national conferences and publish their findings.
Surgical Service Structure
The fellowship curriculum includes elective opportunities in critical care and vascular surgery to broaden the skills and perioperative decision-making of the fellows. The cardiac surgery service at Intermountain supports both thoracic and cardiac services, utilizing APPs for first assistance in the operating room, post-operative acute care, critical care, and outpatient management. The cardiac surgery service currently includes five cardiac surgeons, seven hospitals, and three dedicated clinic APPs.
Thoracic Surgery Specialization
The thoracic surgery service involves three thoracic surgeons and six APPs. These providers rotate through the operating room, inpatient rounds and consults, and outpatient clinic. The service covers a wide range of conditions, including lung cancer, chest malignancies, benign foregut disease, and esophageal cancer, utilizing minimally invasive approaches such as thoracoscopic, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques.
Fellowship Requirements and Benefits
Applicants for the APP fellowship must have graduated from an accredited nurse practitioner or physician assistant program within the past 18 months. Required credentials include a Utah state license for the provider and a controlled substance license, NCCPA certification or equivalent, a Federal DEA Certificate II through V, and Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Certification. While applicants do not need to be fully licensed at the time of application, they must obtain all necessary licenses before the program begins.
Fellowship Compensation
The fellowship offers benefits including 10 paid holidays, up to 15 paid days off, and full Intermountain benefits starting on the first day of employment. Additionally, the program provides $3,500 toward Continuing Medical Education (CME) and up to five days of paid time to attend CME sessions.
