Baylor University Medical Center Program
Location:
Dallas, TXSpecialty:
Cardiovascular diseaseACGME Code:
1414831176Overview of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program
The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, offers a rigorous three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program focuses on providing comprehensive clinical training in various aspects of cardiology, encompassing patient care, clinical research, and scholarly activities. Fellows are expected to engage in COCATS Level I training, with an option to pursue COCATS Level II during their third year, which includes training in diagnostic cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, electrophysiology, and heart failure management.1
Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum is designed to equip fellows with expertise in managing acute and chronic cardiovascular conditions. Typical patient presentations include chronic coronary heart disease, advanced congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular heart disease, among others. Fellows are actively involved in advanced diagnostics and therapeutic procedures alongside esteemed cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons, reflecting a high fellow-faculty ratio of 12:1, which allows for personalized learning experiences.1
Fellowship training encompasses diverse rotations in various subspecialties, including:
- Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
- Nuclear Cardiology
- Cardiomyopathy/Heart Failure/Transplant
- Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology
- Continuity Clinic at Parkland
- Outpatient Clinic at the VA Medical Center
Furthermore, fellows participate in numerous conferences designed to enhance their academic experience, including the Cardiology Grand Rounds, Journal Club, and various pathology and case conferences.1
Research Opportunities
The program emphasizes the importance of research, granting fellows designated time for educational research endeavors. This exposure ensures that fellows develop critical thinking skills while gaining experience in research methodologies. They will be involved in multiple aspects of research, including project design, data collection, and analysis. The curriculum aims to cultivate lifelong learning habits, including robust skills in epidemiological methods and biostatistics.1
Diversity and Inclusion
Baylor University Medical Center is dedicated to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion within its Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs. The initiative promotes a culture that embraces varied perspectives, which plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality healthcare services to diverse communities.1
Application Requirements
To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed three years of internal medicine residency. Applicants should submit a personal statement, curriculum vitae, at least three letters of recommendation, and any applicable certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The program accepts scores from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX). Specific details about the application process are available, including deadlines and interview schedules.2
Visa Sponsorship and Support
The program is supportive of international applicants and can sponsor visas for qualifying candidates. Typically, the program assists with the J-1 visa through the Exchange Visitor Program, which is commonly utilized for international medical graduates pursuing fellowship training in the United States.2
Competitiveness of the Program
The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse range of applicants including those from U.S. and international medical backgrounds. The program values a comprehensive educational background, a strong commitment to cardiology, and impactful clinical experiences.2
Benefits and Compensation
Fellows receive competitive stipends along with comprehensive employee benefits. These include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings plans, paid time off, and academic funding for attendance at state and national conferences. Additional support such as a monthly meal allowance and coverage for professional liability during program-related training is also provided. The program emphasizes the well-being of its fellows by offering resources aimed to facilitate a supportive and enriching training environment.2
Living in Dallas
The city of Dallas is renowned for its metropolitan amenities, culture, and relatively low cost of living compared to other major U.S. cities. The diverse landscape offers ample attractions including shops, dining, entertainment venues, and recreational facilities, making it an enriching place for fellowship training.3
Website
Director
Michael Sills, MD, MScProgram Director, UTSW Parkland Clinic Director, VA Site Director Appointed Since February 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$75,683First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Dallas, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Dallas, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Dallas has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. It's essential to research the specific area where you plan to live to ensure safety.
- Fun Activities: Dallas offers a diverse range of activities such as museums, parks, sports events, vibrant nightlife, and delicious dining options.
- Climate: Dallas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity during summer months.
- Races and Population: Dallas is a diverse city with a significant population of Hispanic, African American, and White residents.
- Education: Dallas is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities to residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Dallas is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Dallas is approximately a 4-hour drive from Houston and a 3-hour drive from Austin. Both cities offer unique cultural experiences and amenities.
- Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, affordable cost of living.
- Cons: Traffic congestion, humid summers, safety concerns in some neighborhoods.
Interview Questions
