APP Cardiac Surgery Fellowship Program Application Process

The Department of Surgery will select at least one qualified applicant to participate in a 12-month fellowship.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligible applicants will meet the following requirements:

Graduate (prior to the fellowship start date) of an accredited physician assistant program
Available for an in-person interview during the months of May – June.

Physician assistant graduates:

PANCE certification (if applicable)
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
A current state PA license, certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) is required prior to start date

Acceptance to fellowship program is contingent upon successful completion of the UPMC credentialing process and a pre-employment health screening.

1. Apply online to Job Opening - Apply using position number (7709062240)

2. Please submit materials through the website:

Incomplete applications will not be considered

Curriculum vitae
Personal narrative
Letter of recommendation (recommended, not required)
Documentation of a shadowing experience or clinical rotation with a Cardiac Surgery Service and be able to describe the role of the surgical PA that you observed (recommended, not required)

3. The following items will be required prior to employment start (not needed for initial application)

Application Deadline: May 31, 2026

Email any necessary documents to: desalvoj2@upmc.edu

Acceptance to fellowship program is contingent upon successful completion of the UPMC credentialing process and a pre-employment health screening.

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Jennifer Cole PA-C
Expert APP, HVI Cardiac Surgery
Heart and Vascular Institute
Fellowship Coordinator
desalvoj2@upmc.edu
Phone: 412-979-5753