Geisinger Health System (Danville) Program

A Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Geisinger offers advanced training tailored to foster excellence in both clinical and academic cardiology. This program has a rich history of training leaders in the field since 1974, emphasizing a wide range of pathologies and opportunities in teaching and research, all while maintaining a supportive learning environment.

The program is a three-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship conducted at the Geisinger Medical Center, which provides a high-volume practice encompassing a substantial breadth and depth of cardiovascular pathology. Fellows have access to advanced fellowships in electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and advanced imaging. Facilities are extensive, including three cardiac catheterization labs, a dedicated electrophysiology lab, a pacemaker clinic, and a fully digital echocardiographic lab. The program guarantees at least six months of protected time to engage in one or more research projects, ensuring solid educational foundations alongside practical experience.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is meticulously designed to align with the certification requirements by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). It includes robust educational opportunities to match fellows' career aspirations. The academic year is structured into 13 four-week rotations, with the first two years focusing on clinical activities across invasive and noninvasive cardiology, and initiating a mentored research project. The third year is dedicated to subspecialization in areas such as interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, or general cardiology, among others.1

Rotations and Night Float System

During the academic cycle, fellows experience a unique night float system instead of traditional overnight calls. Initial years consist of four weeks of night float, while the third year entails two weeks, ensuring fellows gain diverse exposure without the challenges of a strenuous call schedule.1

Clinical Experience

Fellows manage both inpatient and outpatient care in comprehensive settings, including a 30-bed acute care unit and over 100 telemetry beds that cater to more than 3,000 patients annually. The multidisciplinary cardiology team comprises attending cardiologists and a variety of residents and students. Outpatient care is facilitated through the Heart Institute's clinic, which serves over 12,000 patients each year, providing fellows with robust clinical exposure and learning opportunities.1

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

The fellowship encompasses participation in critical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. This includes access to three cardiac catheterization labs performing approximately 2,400 procedures annually, a dedicated electrophysiology lab implanting around 200 devices yearly, and a fully digital echocardiographic lab conducting 13,000 studies each year. The fellowship also allows fellows to obtain Level II certification in nuclear cardiology, expanding their credentials and expertise.1

Advanced Fellowship Opportunities

Geisinger additionally offers specialized training avenues through advanced fellowships in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Interventional Cardiology, and Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging. Each program is designed to provide trainees with comprehensive experiences and state-of-the-art techniques necessary for a successful career in their chosen pathway.1

Application and Eligibility Requirements

The program selects five fellows annually and has specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must graduate from an accredited U.S. or Canadian medical school or hold ECFMG certification. Completion of a three-year residency in internal medicine at an ACGME-accredited program is necessary, along with superior performance during this residency.2 For international medical graduates, visa status permitting the completion of training must be established, and the program provides H-1B visa sponsorship for qualified candidates.2

Competitiveness and Application Process

The program is highly competitive, and all applicants are expected to be certified or eligible for certification in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Application materials must include a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and documentation of examination scores.2 The program instills a collegial environment conducive to learning, helping fellows navigate the challenges of advanced training while ensuring comprehensive education and support.3

Community and Environment

Geisinger serves over a million residents in central and northeast Pennsylvania, blending the benefits of small-town living with proximity to major urban centers, including New York City and Philadelphia. This location offers a harmonious balance of lifestyle and career opportunities, allowing for outdoor activities and recreational pursuits in a scenic area.1