Emory University School of Medicine Program

Emory University's Adult Congenital Heart Fellowship Program is situated in one of North America's largest adult congenital heart centers, renowned for over 2,000 outpatient visits and 100 cardiac surgeries annually. The center incorporates a robust multidisciplinary team, including six cardiologists and two cardiac surgeons, alongside expert support from interventional, structural, electrophysiology, and advanced heart failure teams. The fellowship offers an extensive range of experiences covering outpatient and inpatient settings, focusing on cardiac imaging, catheter-based diagnostics, electrophysiology, critical care, and advanced heart failure management including transplantation evaluation.

Program Overview

Emory's Adult Congenital Heart Fellowship is a two-year program. Candidates must have completed an adult and/or pediatric cardiovascular disease fellowship before the anticipated start date. US citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply. The program meets the ABIM requirements for adult congenital disease subspecialty training, preparing graduates to sit for the ABIM subspecialty examination in congenital heart diseases.

Application Information

The fellowship supports applications via the ERAS system, for positions commencing from July 1, 2025, with application openings starting July 1, 2024. Required documents include a curriculum vitae (CV), personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and copies of USMLE transcripts along with the ECFMG certificate for international medical graduates. The deadline for submitting applications commences on July 1, 2023.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum encompasses diverse facets of adult congenital heart disease, enabling fellow trainees to engage in cardiac anesthesia, manage complex cases, and participate in critical care. Additionally, the fellowship integrates exposure to pulmonary hypertension and the multifaceted medical needs of patients with congenital heart disease during pregnancy.

Both inpatient and outpatient rotations are structured to provide a balanced mix of clinical exposure, academic learning, and hands-on experience. The program places significant emphasis on supervised clinical encounters, ensuring fellows achieve competence across multiple domains relevant to adult congenital heart management.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to pursue research interests within the context of adult congenital heart disease, contributing to ongoing research initiatives. The program has established collaborative links within the university, providing fellows with ample opportunities to engage in impactful research and publish outcomes in peer-reviewed journals.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One distinguishing feature of the Adult Congenital Heart Fellowship is Emory’s collaborative approach, integrating various subspecialties to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex congenital heart issues. This multifaceted training environment fosters a rich learning atmosphere that encourages fellows to develop as independent practitioners capable of addressing the nuanced needs of this patient population.

Visa Support

Emory University's Adult Congenital Heart Fellowship Program is open to applicants holding J1 or H1B visas, aligning with their commitment to fostering a diverse trainee population, including international medical graduates.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, and applicants are expected to have completed extensive cardiovascular training prior to application. The selection process evaluates clinical competence, academic achievements, and the potential for future contributions to the field of adult congenital heart disease. Additionally, candidates must adhere to prerequisites related to prior training, visa eligibility, and licensure requirements.