Advocate Health Care/Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center Program
Location:
Chicago, ILSpecialty:
Cardiovascular diseaseACGME Code:
1411611220The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center is designed to cultivate exceptionally trained cardiologists through a structured educational framework and extensive clinical exposure. Being an ACGME-accredited program, it places strong emphasis on individual attention and a wealth of clinical experience, ensuring that each fellow is well-supported in their training.
Advocating for a comprehensive educational experience, the program offers an intensive three-year fellowship with nine fellows, facilitating deep engagement in all aspects of cardiovascular disease management. The program benefits from a 517-bed acute care hospital setting, combining the clinical diversity typical of a teaching institution with the personalized attention common to community hospitals, centrally located on Chicago's north side.
Program Structure
The curriculum is designed to meet the full spectrum of ACGME core competencies required for cardiology fellowship training. Each fellow will accumulate significant hands-on experience in various specialty areas, including but not limited to:
- Transcatheter ablation
- Atherectomy
- Balloon valvuloplasty
- Coronary stenting
- Multi-plane transesophageal echo
- Stress echocardiography
- Intravascular ultrasound
Furthermore, the program includes an on-site Electrophysiology Fellowship that provides cardiology fellows with additional insights into electrophysiology, enhancing the overall training experience.
Training and Exposure
The fellowship offers a high 'Teacher: to Fellow' ratio that ensures individualized mentorship and instruction throughout the training period. The clinical exposure is further enriched by a diverse patient population that includes various socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, facilitating comprehensive learning opportunities. Graduates often pursue subspecialty training in areas like Electrophysiology, Heart Failure, and Interventional Cardiology.
Conferences and Didactics
The program promotes continuous education through various didactic sessions and conferences. Each fellow is required to participate in several key educational activities, including:
- EKG Lectures: Focused on interpreting and discussing EKGs relevant to cardiology.
- CCU Conferences: Cover critical care topics pertinent to fellows on CCU rotation.
- Topic Lectures and Grand Rounds: Introducing essential cardiology topics throughout the academic year.
- Journal Clubs: Facilitating critical reviews of recent literature.
- Morbidity & Mortality Conferences: Reviews of recent cases with adverse outcomes.
These activities ensure fellows are well-prepared for both clinical practice and further academic engagements.
Application Process
The program receives a high volume of applicants, typically around 500 annually for three positions, with around 40 candidates being invited for interviews. The application process adheres strictly to the National Resident Matching Program, and all interviews will be conducted virtually. Important deadlines include an application submission deadline of August 31st, with interviews occurring in September and October. The program specifies that it only sponsors J-1 visas.
Fellowship Life and Alumni
Living in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview neighborhood allows fellows to explore numerous entertainment and educational opportunities while engaging with a progressive medical community. Past graduates have successfully transitioned to prestigious institutions and private practices, with many remaining in the Chicago area, indicating positive outcomes from the fellowship.
Compensation and Benefits
The fellowship provides a competitive salary along with comprehensive benefits, the latest figures of which can be referenced through the Graduate Medical Education stipends page.
Website
Director
Ajay Baddi, MDProgram Director, Chair Clinical Competency Committee, Chair Program evaluation Committee Appointed Since January 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,560First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Chicago, IL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Chicago, IL
- Crime Rate and Safety: Chicago has areas with higher crime rates, but many neighborhoods are safe. It's important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Chicago offers a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters, music venues, and a variety of dining options. There are also beautiful parks and Lake Michigan for outdoor activities.
- Climate: Chicago has cold winters with snow and hot, humid summers. Spring and fall are pleasant seasons.
- Races and Population: Chicago is a diverse city with a mix of ethnicities and cultures, making it a multicultural hub.
- Education: Chicago has several universities and colleges, offering opportunities for continuous learning.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Chicago is relatively high compared to other cities, especially in terms of housing.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Milwaukee, WI (1.5 hours drive) and Indianapolis, IN (3 hours drive).
- Pros: Rich cultural scene, diverse population, great food options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, areas with higher crime rates, and extreme weather conditions.
Interview Questions
