Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program in Interventional Cardiology provides a comprehensive and specialized training environment for medical professionals pursuing a career in interventional cardiology. The program offers an extensive curriculum focusing on cutting-edge techniques for the non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of coronary artery disease and structural heart diseases.

Training Environment

The program operates within a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory that is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This facility is designed to handle both scheduled and emergency procedures, providing hands-on experience in a high-volume setting, performing over 1,200 coronary interventions and more than 240 STEMI (ST elevation myocardial infarction) cases annually 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the program is designed to develop a well-rounded skill set in both coronary and structural heart interventions. Trainees engage in:

• Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI): Participants gain experience in performing a range of PCIs, including complex procedures such as those for left main and left main unprotected heart disease, using advanced technologies like Rotablator.
• Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) Program: Trainees are taught innovative techniques for treating chronic total occlusions, gaining proficiency in opening long-blocked arteries and providing relief for patients who are not candidates for bypass surgery.

Additionally, the program collaborates with various specialists, including cardiac and vascular surgeons, to provide a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. This model enhances the educational experience by exposing residents to various aspects of cardiology 2.

Research Opportunities

As part of an academic center, the program emphasizes the importance of clinical research and participation in ongoing trials. Trainees can engage in research focused on new devices, treatment strategies for coronary and structural heart disease, and the integration of shared decision-making in clinical practice. This research-driven environment not only fosters innovation but also enhances residents' understanding of current practices and future developments in cardiology 2.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates. It sponsors H-1B and J-1 visa types, which are commonly utilized in medical residency and fellowship programs. This allows qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to participate in the program and enrich the learning environment.

Competitiveness

The Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program in Interventional Cardiology is recognized for its competitiveness. While it remains highly competitive and is predominantly oriented towards U.S. medical graduates, it also maintains a framework that is friendly for DO and IMG candidates. This inclusivity helps in fostering a diverse cohort of residents who can bring varied perspectives and experiences to patient care.

Application Requirements

Applicants are advised to check specific requirements related to years since graduation and eligibility criteria. While the program does not publish a strict limit on the number of failed examinations (such as the USMLE Steps), candidates are encouraged to have a solid performance on their exams to enhance their application standing.