Education and Training

Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh

The Heart Institute is committed to nurturing the next generation of pediatric cardiologists, physician-scientists, nurses and staff by providing rigorous, high-quality training opportunities. Our fellowship programs in cardiology, pediatric cardiac critical care and cardiothoracic surgery are among the most highly sought-after positions and continue to draw outstanding applicants from some of the country’s best universities and residency programs. Our nursing and respiratory therapy training programs and continuing medical education courses offer opportunities for staff and practicing physicians to continually hone their skills and remain current.

Simulation Exercises

One technologically advanced method of training medical teams is simulation exercises, which creates a patient emergency situation using electronic manikin and computer system through which a supervisor can change symptoms or reactions at any time in response to actions taken by the team. These “mock code” sessions allow medical teams to do everything they would do with a real patient in a cardiac arrest situation. It helps staff to gain confidence and be prepared when they encounter an emergency situation with a real patient. In addition to random mock code simulation sessions, staff can receive additional schedule training through Children’s own Pediatric Simulation Center, a state-of-the-art simulation room that serves the entire hospital.

Educational Opportunities

Pediatric Residency Program

Fellowships

Pediatric Cardiology
Cardiac Critical Care
Cardiothoracic Surgery

Continuing Medical Education

Master Class in Congenital Cardiac Morphology
Neonatal and Pediatric ECMO Educational Conference
Interactive Education Portal