Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Program

The Virginia Tech Carilion Interventional Cardiology fellowship program is a one-year ACGME-accredited program with two positions available annually. An optional second, unaccredited junior faculty year is also available, focusing on continued training in peripheral and structural interventions as well as research. The program is located in Roanoke, Virginia, an area celebrated for its affordable and family-friendly environment within a major multi-state referral center, characterized by high patient volume and quality care.

The fellowship curriculum ensures that fellows are well-prepared to perform a full range of interventional procedures. Initially, fellows assist with procedures as secondary operators, gradually taking on more responsibility until they can operate independently under direct attending supervision. Each fellow is expected to achieve proficiency in coronary interventions, as well as select structural heart and peripheral vascular interventions based on the yearly availability of cases.

Fellows experience a robust training in various cardiac catheterization procedures, including but not limited to, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), which requires a minimum of 250 cases as primary operator or co-operator. Additional skills developed include advanced techniques such as intravascular ultrasound, mechanical thrombectomy, and the management of acute coronary syndromes. A comprehensive curriculum also covers aspects beyond procedural skills, such as pharmacological management, patient safety, and ethical considerations.

Educational Structure

The program includes structured didactic sessions, core curriculum conferences, and case-based discussions to enhance learning. Weekly and monthly conferences, including a journal club and research conference, provide fellows with opportunities to present cases, discuss developments in interventional cardiology, and explore new research avenues. This comprehensive educational framework is complemented by a dedicated focus on basic and clinical research opportunities that aim from novel cellular biology to multi-center trials.

The faculty leading the fellowship comprises experienced interventional cardiologists committed to providing high-quality education and mentorship to fellows. The program emphasizes relationship building between fellows and faculty, ensuring that each fellow has guidance through their training.

Clinical Practice and Patient Care

The interventional service conducts a significant volume of procedures annually, including diagnostic catheterizations, ST elevation myocardial infarctions (approximately 270 annually), and transcatheter aortic valve replacements (over 1,000 since 2012). The training program is designed to develop fellows as competent cardiologists fully prepared for both academic and private practice settings. Through diverse patient populations in urban, suburban, and rural contexts, fellows learn to navigate various healthcare challenges.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

For admission to the program, applicants must meet specific criteria, including board eligibility in internal medicine and completion of cardiovascular disease fellowship training. Preferred qualifications include recent residency completion (within five years) and prior research experience, although the latter is not mandatory. The program accepts J-1 visas for international medical graduates but does not sponsor H-1 visas.

Overall, the program is competitive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants. Successful candidates typically demonstrate excellent communication skills and a robust academic record, supported by strong letters of recommendation.

Training Environment and Schedule

Fellows dedicate the majority of their time in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, structured over 13 blocks in a comprehensive academic calendar. The typical schedule includes substantial lab time supplemented by protected research time and clinical practice. The supportive call system allows fellows to maintain a balanced workload while gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Partnership and Community

The partnership with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine enriches the fellowship experience, fostering collaborations with research scientists and expanding clinical and academic interactions. This unique environment provides fellows with a holistic training experience, leveraging strengths from both institutions.