Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is recognized as one of the premier programs in California, ranking #6 in the United States for cardiology and heart-related disciplines. This fellowship is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and aims to prepare fellows for independent careers as skilled cardiac electrophysiologists. The training spans two years and is tailored for those who have completed a three-year, ACGME-accredited cardiovascular disease training program.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship emphasizes a broad exposure to all facets of cardiac electrophysiology. This includes specialized training in current therapeutic techniques and hands-on experience through a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide both clinical and procedural competency.

Training Requirements

Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology fellows are expected to complete a minimum number of procedures, including:

• 150 EP diagnostic studies
• 75 catheter ablations
• 50 pacemakers implanted as primary operator
• 25 implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)

These experiences are gained in a cutting-edge electrophysiology laboratory as well as in outpatient clinics, where fellows gain experience in CIED (Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices) management and troubleshooting.

Didactic Learning

A strong emphasis is placed on education through various conferences and educational sessions. Mandatory attendance is required at the:

• EP Journal Club
• CCEP Case Review sessions
• EP Fellows Core Curriculum Lectures
• Research Conferences
• EP Device Case Reviews

This structure ensures that fellows are not only practitioners but also well-rounded scholars in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are expected to either participate in ongoing clinical research or embark on original research projects. There are significant opportunities for research focused on sudden cardiac death and atrial fibrillation, among others. Presentations of research outcomes at national and international conferences is highly encouraged, fostering a rigorous academic environment.

Training Sites

The program benefits from Cedars-Sinai's status as the largest nonprofit hospital in the western United States, with state-of-the-art facilities including:

• Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion with nine cardiac catheterization suites
• Dedicated CIED and arrhythmia clinics
• Comprehensive inpatient facilities including a cardiac ICU

This extensive exposure provides fellows with the opportunity to engage with a high volume of complex cases.

Diversity and Support

Cedars-Sinai’s commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a welcoming environment for all trainees. The program accepts U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and those eligible for licensure in California. The program does not accept applicants who do not meet these criteria, emphasizing a fair and competitive selection process.

Visa Sponsorship

The program does not provide visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. All prospective fellows must possess a valid California Medical Board license upon acceptance.

Application Information

Prospective fellows must successfully complete an ACGME-accredited Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship prior to applying. The program is noted for its highly competitive nature. As part of the application process, candidates are required to participate in the National Resident Matching Program. All interviews and processes are conducted in a structured timeline to ensure fairness and equal opportunity.

Graduates of the Program

Alumni of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship have gone on to serve in prestigious positions across various health institutions, showcasing the program's effectiveness in preparing graduates for diverse career paths in electrophysiology.