Clinical Component

Navigating the Clinical Component

The cardiac anesthesia program at UK King's Daughters operates across a high-acuity case mix that spans cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgery, as well as cath lab procedures. The incoming physician works within a supervisory model supported by five CRNAs assigned exclusively to the cardiac ORs, which maintains efficient room turnover and supports a workable attending schedule.

Case Mix

The anesthesia service covers a diverse and high-acuity procedural environment:

  • Cardiac surgery (open and minimally invasive)
  • Vascular surgery (approximately 20 cases per week)
  • Thoracic cases
  • Cath lab procedures (8 cath labs on 2nd floor)
  • TAVR and structural heart procedures
  • Hybrid OR cases (2nd floor hybrid OR)

Operating Room Infrastructure

Detail Information
General ORs 10
Hybrid OR 1 (2nd floor)
Cath Labs 8 (4 equipped with Philips Imaging)
IR Suites 4 (including one bi-plane)
CRNA Support 5 dedicated to cardiac ORs

Schedule and Call

Detail Information
Workweek 4 days per week
Call Fridays only (rotating among 3 anesthesiologists)
Annual Time Off 9 weeks total: 8 weeks vacation + 1 week CME
CME Budget $5,000 annually

The 4-day schedule is a defining feature of this position. Call is limited to Fridays on a rotating basis, which means each physician covers one Friday in rotation with meaningful downtime built into every week.

Cardiac Surgery Program Context

The incoming anesthesiologist supports a Comprehensive Heart Center of Excellence that includes:

  • TAVR accreditation
  • EP and Heart Failure certification
  • 8 dedicated cath labs with Philips imaging
  • Door-to-balloon time consistently under 90 minutes
  • FY2025: 3,081 diagnostic caths, 1,042 PCIs, 145 STEMIs

Team Culture

The medical teams at UK King's Daughters are described by the client as highly collaborative. Physician leadership is accessible, and opportunities exist for involvement in health system governance and quality improvement initiatives. The program uses quarterly leadership meetings at the hospital level, and physicians hold decision-making roles within the medical staff structure.

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