Creighton University School of Medicine (Omaha) Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship program at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha is structured to train future specialists in interventional cardiology, equipping them to become competent leaders in cardiovascular care and education. The fellowship emphasizes an ethos inspired by the Ignatian educational tradition, advocating for cura personalis—care for the whole person.

Mission and Vision

The program aims to produce leaders in interventional cardiovascular education, research, and clinical practice. It combines rigorous training in interventional techniques with a focus on patient-centered care, ensuring that fellows not only gain competencies but also embrace the values of lifelong learning and personal development 1.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Spanning one year, the fellowship includes extensive practical experience in the cardiac catheterization labs of CHI Health Omaha. Every fellow is expected to exceed the minimal procedural requirements by at least 25%, performing over 500 coronary interventions, including a diverse range of coronary lesions such as Type A, B, C, and STEMI 1.

The training encompasses various modalities of imaging (IVUS, FFR, etc.) and interventional techniques: stenting, balloon angioplasty, atherectomy, and more. Each fellow will participate in grand rounds and journal clubs, ensuring regular engagement with clinical discussions and scholarly activities 1.

Rotations and Training Locations

Clinical training occurs largely at the CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center and includes the involvement of five hospitals and seven cardiac catheterization labs across the CHI hospital system. This diversity provides a comprehensive exposure to both elective and emergent interventional procedures, with fellows participating in STEMI calls across all participating hospitals 1.

Research and Quality Improvement

The program integrates research into its framework, expecting each fellow to present at least one abstract or publish a paper during their fellowship. Furthermore, fellows will be involved in one quality improvement project focused on healthcare disparities, reinforcing the value of community impact through medicine 1.

Application Process

Applicants must have completed a three-year cardiovascular training in an ACGME-accredited program and must be board eligible or certified. The application is processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with all documentation required to be submitted by February 1. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews with faculty during March and April 1.

Visa Support

The program exclusively accepts applicants on J-1 visas, aligning with Creighton’s policy of not sponsoring H-1B visas for graduate medical education programs, thereby maintaining a focus on international trainees who meet specific visa regulations 1.

Competitiveness and Applicant Qualifications

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is competitive, attracting highly qualified applicants who have demonstrated excellence in prior training. All candidates must meet specific criteria regarding their medical education and training background. The fellowship seeks to promote an inclusive environment, welcoming applications from both MD and DO graduates, along with those who successfully completed their training internationally, as long as they fulfill ECFMG documentation where applicable 1.

Fellow Experience and Culture

Fellows benefit from a nurturing environment characterized by supportive faculty and a robust peer network, facilitating high-quality learning and professional growth. There is a strong emphasis on mentorship throughout the fellowship experience, promoting not only clinical excellence but also personal well-being and stress management 1.