Advanced Cardiac Transplantation & Mechanical Circulatory Support Fellowship Program

Advanced Cardiac Transplantation & Mechanical Circulatory Support Fellowship Program

UCSF Heart Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support Program 

The UCSF Heart Transplant Program has performed more than 400 transplants since its first transplant in March 1989. With a distinguished history spanning over three decades, our experience has recently led to significant growth, achieving an impressive milestone of 80 heart transplants per year. As the 8th largest program by volume in the nation, we maintain an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional short and long-term outcomes for our patients.

At the core of our success is our dedication to advancing transplantation science. We prioritize the utilization of Donation after Cardiopulmonary Determination of Death (DCD) organs, a practice proven to yield superior short-term outcomes, ensuring optimal results for our patients.

Furthermore, we lead the way in minimally invasive Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) implantation, distinguishing ourselves as the sole center in California routinely performing this procedure. With shorter hospital stays, earlier mobilization, reduced pain, and decreased risk of right-sided heart dysfunction, our minimally invasive LVAD implantation technique represents a significant advancement in patient care.

Our adoption of cutting-edge donor preservation technologies, notably the Paragonix SherpaPak Cardiac Transport System and the TransMedics Organ Care System (OCS), enables us to transport hearts over longer distances with remarkable efficacy, further enhancing our ability to serve patients in need.

We are also a leading center for Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) in Northern California, offering a multidisciplinary approach and expertise in various FDA-approved devices. We implant 30-40 durable devices annually, making us a premier choice for short-term bridging, long-term support, or destination therapy.

At UCSF, we're not just performing transplants; we're revolutionizing the field. Join us as we continue to redefine what's possible in heart and lung transplantation. We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care and improving the lives of the community.

The Advanced Cardiac Transplantation & Mechanical Circulatory Support (MCS) Fellowship Program is a 1-2 year non-ACGME-accredited program dedicated to providing training in all aspects of heart transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, lung transplantation, and ECMO. We are looking to recruit up to one fellow each year.

As part of our high-volume heart and lung transplant program, the fellowship provides advanced training in transplantation and experience in comprehensive multi-disciplinary management of heart and lung transplant patients, including the surgical management of transplant candidate and recipient, indications, deployment and maintenance of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, will develop competence in heart and lung transplant surgery, donor evaluation and selection for DBD and DCD transplants, organ recovery including machine perfusion modalities and use of Transmedics and Ex-Vivo devices as well as normothermic regional perfusion techniques.  Participation in clinical outcomes research is highly encouraged. 

CA Medical Licensure Requirements:

CA Physician's and Surgeon's License 
Medical Board of California Application for a Physician’s and Surgeon’s License Information & Checklist
Special Programs 2113-Certificate of Registration 
CA Medical Board SP 2113 Application.pdf
American Board of Thoracic Surgery Board Certification Pathways

Salary and Benefits: Selected individuals will receive a 1-year appointment as a clinical instructor in cardiothoracic surgery and a competitive salary, health benefits, and vacation package. 

Application Requirement: 
1. Applicants must meet licensure requirements for the State of California and be ABTS Board Eligible.
2. Letter of interest
3. Curriculum vitae
4. 3 Reference letters
5. USMLE 1,2,3
6. ECFMG status
7. Current Visa status

All interested applicants should contact Matilda Lee, HR & Operations Analyst.

All fellows will be expected to follow the UCSF Ethical Standards & the Code of Conduct & the Principles of Community & Pride Values.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, and community services have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.