Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Program

The Virginia Tech Carilion Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program is a university-based cardiology fellowship offering a comprehensive, ACGME-accredited, three-year training program in general cardiology. This competitive program accepts six fellows annually and also provides additional advanced training opportunities in interventional and structural cardiology.

Since its inception, the program has focused on enhancing the fellow experience, ensuring that it remains a world-class clinical, didactic, and research training environment. The fellowship is supported by a 26-member primary teaching faculty dedicated to fellow education, reflecting a culture of collaboration, mentoring, and strong work ethic. Daily fellow- and faculty-guided didactics enable fellows to deepen their knowledge and prepare for board examinations effectively. Moreover, each fellow is assigned a faculty mentor during their first year to assist in achieving their career aspirations.

Clinical training is conducted across multiple esteemed locations including Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (RMH), a 700+ bed tertiary care facility, the modern outpatient Crystal Spring clinic, the Salem VA Medical Center, and Carilion New River Valley (NRV) hospital, which boasts more than 110 beds. This diverse range of training sites provides fellows with a wide array of clinical experiences.

During the fellowship, trainees are exposed to a high volume of diagnostic imaging and procedures such as echocardiography, nuclear cardiology (including PET), cardiac CT, cardiac MRI, and invasive procedures like cardiac catheterization and complex interventions. This comprehensive training equips fellows with the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in general cardiology practices or further advanced fellowship opportunities.

Curriculum Components

The fellowship curriculum includes a variety of structured rotations:

• Consults Rotation: A 12-week rotation providing consultations for all adult services, focusing on complex cases.
• Inpatient Cardiology Rotation: A 12-week rotation focused on managing primary cardiac complaints.
• Electrophysiology (EP) Consults Rotation: A 12-week rotation that allows fellows to engage in specialized EP consultations.
• Cardiac Catheterization Rotation: A minimum of eight weeks dedicated to learning cardiac catheterization skills actively.
• Outpatient Continuity Clinic: Fellows conduct outpatient clinics one afternoon per week, enhancing patient continuity and mentorship.
• Electives: In the third year, fellows can choose eight electives to tailor their expertise.

This comprehensive structure ensures fellows receive well-rounded experiences in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical and basic science research, with a month dedicated to research annually. Collaborative research opportunities are available with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, enhancing research exposure and educational breadth.

Application Requirements

To apply, candidates must submit all application materials via the ERAS system. Key requirements include:

• Board eligibility or certification in internal medicine (completion of USMLE or COMLEX steps is required).
• Three letters of recommendation, with one from the residency program director.
• An updated curriculum vitae.
• Preferably, completion of residency within the last five years.
• Research experience is preferred but not required.

For international graduates, J-1 visas are sponsored by the program.

Competitiveness

The Virginia Tech Carilion Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is considered a competitive program, attractive to a diverse range of candidates including US and international medical graduates. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, strong faculty mentorship, and clinical exposure contribute to its appeal.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One distinctive feature of the fellowship is its partnership with Virginia Tech, allowing fellows to work closely with medical and research students from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. This collaboration fosters innovation and learning opportunities that enhance the overall fellowship experience.

Locations and Training Sites

Training occurs at several key locations:

• Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
• Salem VA Medical Center
• Carilion Clinic Cardiology Outpatient Clinic
• Carilion New River Valley Medical Center

These sites not only provide diverse clinical experiences but also access to advanced technologies and a wide patient population.

Conclusion

Fellows graduating from the Virginia Tech Carilion Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship will possess a robust skill set and experience that positions them well for successful careers in both clinical practice and academia.