Creighton University School of Medicine Program

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program at Creighton University School of Medicine – Phoenix is designed to deliver an exceptional educational experience for fellows aspiring to master the complexities of cardiovascular care. This three-year program, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), welcomes four fellows each year. The overarching mission emphasizes the Ignatian value of Cura Personalis, which embodies a commitment to personal care and the holistic development of individuals, fostering transformative leadership in clinical practices, institutions, and communities.

The program aims to cultivate cardiology fellows with excellent clinical skills who provide high-quality cardiovascular care across diverse patient populations. The educational structure is oriented towards clinical excellence, patient safety, and evidence-based medicine. It incorporates fundamental principles related to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures while instilling knowledge-seeking skills essential for future scholarly practices in cardiology. Didactic lectures will be integral to the learning experience, addressing clinical practice guidelines and the foundational principles that guide their application, thus reinforcing lifelong learning among fellows.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship incorporates extensive clinical rotations across multiple renowned sites, including St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Valleywise Health, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Comprehensive training encompasses both outpatient and inpatient care, with a focus on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic myocardial imaging techniques such as echocardiography, computed tomography angiography, and nuclear imaging. Specific training at St. Joseph’s Hospital includes rotations in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), where fellows manage patients with heart failure and participate in advanced mechanical cardiac support interventions.

Additionally, tailored experiences in cardiac catheterization will familiarise fellows with diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, enhancing their proficiency in managing complex cardiovascular conditions. Electrophysiology training involves hands-on experience in outpatient clinics and active participation in diverse procedures. Importantly, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital rotation addresses adult congenital heart disease, enabling fellows to develop expertise in this critical area.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities to stimulate a culture of research and academic inquiry. The program emphasizes the significance of both individual and collective scholarly outputs, urging fellows to participate in research projects or publish scholarly reviews. The faculty provides substantial support to guide this scholarly engagement, underpinning the importance of academic contributions to fellow development.

Training Sites

The fellowship leverages strategic affiliations with prominent medical institutions, including:

• St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center: A leading referral center in Phoenix, providing critical training through exposure to advanced therapies, specialized cardiac surgeries, and a variety of complex cases.
• Valleywise Health: Serving a diverse patient demographic within the county, this site enhances fellows' exposure to a broad range of cardiovascular diseases while providing critical care training.
• Phoenix Children’s Hospital: One of the largest pediatric hospitals, offering unique perspectives on managing adult congenital heart disease alongside comprehensive pediatric cardiovascular care.

Visa and Application Process

The program provides sponsorship for J1 visas only, indicating a preference for international medical graduates holding this type of visa. Notably, applicants must have completed three years of generalized medicine residency at an ACGME-accredited institution. Application requirements also include three letters of reference, SMLE Scores for Steps 1, 2, and 3, and note that applicants must be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents, as the program does not support H1B visas.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, drawing from a broad pool of applicants nationwide. The selection process emphasizes the necessity of achieving a commendable performance on examinations and comprehensive references to ensure only the most qualified candidates are chosen. Additionally, the program accepts international medical graduates, aiming to foster an inclusive training environment.

Unique Aspects of the Program

As part of the Creighton University Arizona Health Education Alliance, the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship integrates collaborative efforts among various health institutions to enhance the educational framework and clinical training resources available to fellows. This collaborative approach not only broadens the clinical training landscape but also supports fellows in accessing diverse patient populations and myriad clinical experiences.

In summary, the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Creighton University School of Medicine – Phoenix provides an enriching environment for the next generation of cardiologists, supporting their journey towards excellence in cardiovascular care through comprehensive training, scholarly engagement, and a commitment to patient-centered care.