Aurora Health Care Program

The Aurora Health Care Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is a three-year program that educates and trains fellows at two primary sites: Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and Aurora Sinai Medical Center. Each year, the program welcomes six new fellows, making a total of 18 fellows across all years, providing robust training in a supportive and innovative environment.

Program Overview

The fellowship consists of 36 months of clinical training with a structured block schedule comprising 13 blocks per year. This extensive training covers a wide range of cardiovascular procedures and patient care responsibilities, ensuring that fellows develop the skills necessary for a successful career in cardiology 1.

Training Facilities

Fellows train at two premier facilities: Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and Aurora Sinai Medical Center, both known for their comprehensive cardiology programs. Aurora St. Luke's offers 24/7 interventional services and specialized programs, establishing itself as a leader in cardiovascular emergencies, such as ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) 1.

Aurora St. Luke’s features intensive care units, catheterization and electrophysiology labs, making it a hub for advanced cardiac interventions. Meanwhile, Aurora Sinai Medical Center focuses on non-invasive cardiology and diagnostic specialties, providing a diverse training experience that complements the interventional emphasis at St. Luke’s 8.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum encompasses a blend of clinical responsibilities and opportunities for electives. In the first year, fellows rotate through a variety of clinical settings to gain exposure across electrophysiology, echo, and cath lab practices. The second year intensifies the training in the cath lab and includes advanced heart failure management, culminating in the third year with more elective opportunities and specialized rotations in advanced heart failure and congenital heart disease 5.

Elective opportunities include preventative cardiology, cardiac imaging, and research pathways to cater to fellows' specific interests and career goals 9.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes an evidence-based approach, encouraging fellows to engage in scholarly activities. Both fellows and faculty are actively involved in publishing research papers and presenting at national conferences, reflecting the program's commitment to academic excellence 6.

Faculty

The faculty comprises experienced cardiologists with diverse backgrounds in interventional, non-invasive, and electrophysiological cardiology. They focus on mentorship while providing intensive training that fosters both clinical skills and research interests. The faculty members are dedicated not only to patient care but also to the educational development of their fellows 3.

Application Process

Applications to the fellowship are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). To qualify, applicants must submit their CV, medical school transcripts, letters of reference, personal statements, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. The program requires at least three reference letters from clinicians familiar with the applicant's clinical work. Importantly, there is no sponsorship available for H category visas, and applicants must clarify their resident status during the interview if applicable 4.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Aurora Health Care Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is competitive, attracting applicants from across the globe, including a mix of international medical graduates and U.S. graduates. This diversity enhances the learning environment and fosters a rich exchange of ideas, clinical skills, and cultural perspectives in patient care 10.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers a competitive salary alongside comprehensive health coverage for fellows and eligible dependents, as well as other benefits designed to enhance the fellows’ training experience and personal well-being 7.