Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program
Location:
Los Angeles, CASpecialty:
Advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologyACGME Code:
1590514007The Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is highly regarded, ranking as the best in California and #6 in the United States for Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery. This one-year clinical fellowship is ACGME-accredited and designed to provide fellows with specialized education focusing on the pathophysiology and treatment of heart failure, cardiac transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support.
The Smidt Heart Institute and the Comprehensive Transplant Center play an integral role in the fellowship, having performed more adult heart transplants than any other U.S. medical center over the past four years, as reported by the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). This level of experience ensures that fellows are trained by some of the leading experts in the field, who provide comprehensive clinical training and lectures on critical topics relevant to advanced cardiac disease.
Training Curriculum
The fellowship's curriculum encompasses extensive training across several key areas:
Heart Failure
Fellows will gain experience managing inpatient care for patients with heart failure, including those post-cardiothoracic surgery, individuals being evaluated for heart transplantation, and patients undergoing specialized heart failure management. Training includes:
- Managing acute decompensated heart failure and cardiogenic shock.
- Indicating and interpreting right heart catheterization.
- Providing end-of-life care and hospice management.
Heart Transplantation
Fellows receive training in evaluating potential transplant donors, understanding organ procurement, immediate postoperative management, and long-term care for heart transplant recipients. Core training components comprise:
- Management of post-transplant complications and immunosuppression.
- Interpreting echocardiograms and conducting endomyocardial biopsies.
Mechanical Circulatory Support
Training in mechanical circulatory support includes assessment, device selection, and postoperative management, which is crucial for fellows to understand when identifying candidates for support mechanisms such as cardiac assist devices.
Research Opportunities
The program emphasizes clinical and translational research, encouraging fellows to participate in ongoing research initiatives while receiving guidance and support through the Clinical Scholars Program, which provides funding and education to foster their development as clinical scientists.
Application Information
Admission to the fellowship is competitive, limited to individuals who have completed an ACGME-accredited cardiovascular disease fellowship and hold a valid California Medical License or PTL. The program only accepts U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or ECFMG J1 or H1B visa holders.
Positions for the academic year 2024-2025 are filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), and prospective applicants are encouraged to be mindful of the application timeline, which typically includes submitting applications during July to September and undergoing interviews in the subsequent months.
Graduate Success
Graduates of the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Fellowship have successfully transitioned into prominent roles in various established institutions across the U.S., signifying the program’s effectiveness in preparing fellows for advanced cardiology careers.
Facilities and Resources
Cedars-Sinai offers access to some of the world's most advanced clinical and research facilities, providing fellows with an optimal environment for training and personal development.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program's visa support includes J1 and H1B visa options, essential for international medical graduates. The fellowship is known for being highly competitive, which requires a robust academic background and clinical experience.
Special Application Requirements
The fellowship has stringent application requirements, mandating that applicants have graduated within a specified time frame from their cardiovascular disease fellowship and limiting the number of failed attempts on STEP exams to enhance the chances of selection.
Overall, the Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship offers a comprehensive and rigorous training experience with plenty of research opportunities, making it an excellent choice for those looking to specialize in advanced heart failure and transplantation.
Website
Director
Michelle Kittleson, MD, PhDProgram Director, Heart Failure & Transplantation Fellowship Appointed Since July 2012Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
65hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$109,219First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
1Location
Los Angeles, CA
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Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
- Fun activities: Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
- Races and population: Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
- Pros: Exciting cultural opportunities, diverse culinary experiences, access to beautiful beaches, great weather, and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing affordability challenges.
Interview Questions
