Hackensack University Medical Center Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) offers a prestigious one-year fellowship accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This competitive program is intended for applicants who have successfully completed a cardiovascular diseases fellowship. The fellowship has a history of attracting over 30 applications annually for only two available positions, underscoring its competitive nature.

HUMC serves as a quaternary care hospital within the Hackensack Meridian Health Network, which encompasses seventeen hospitals across New Jersey, and is recognized as a teaching hospital affiliated with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. The fellowship provides a substantial clinical exposure where fellows are expected to perform between 400 to 500 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) during their training. This hands-on experience includes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as FFR/IFR, IVUS, OCT, atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, and coronary microvascular assessments.

Fellows will also engage in STEMI interventions, including the placement of intra-aortic balloon pumps and percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices. Beyond coronary interventions, the program encompasses training in peripheral and structural procedures, including catheter-based therapies for pulmonary embolism, atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) closures, balloon valvuloplasty, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and MitraClip procedures. This comprehensive approach enriches the fellows' training in the various aspects of interventional cardiology.

The training environment at HUMC is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including a catheterization laboratory with five digitally equipped rooms, two of which are hybrid operating rooms featuring cutting-edge CT-fusion technology for real-time imaging. The commitment to fostering a well-rounded education is complemented by regular quality conferences and a robust research initiative, with the institution participating in numerous multicenter national and international clinical trials, thereby exposing fellows to the latest advancements in the field of interventional cardiology.

The mission of the program emphasizes the development of highly skilled, academic interventional cardiologists possessing both clinical expertise and a commitment to humanistic patient care. Graduates are expected to advance in their careers, fulfilling roles in both clinical practice and leadership positions within the healthcare field.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. Individuals from various backgrounds are welcomed to apply, as the program values collaboration and aims to represent a broad spectrum of perspectives in healthcare delivery. Aspects such as race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic background are recognized as integral to fostering a thriving community and providing quality healthcare.

Fellowship Rotations

The fellowship training includes critical rotations within the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory where interventional fellows will engage with both core and voluntary faculty, gaining a comprehensive experience in all procedural modalities. Fellows will also share on-call responsibilities with core faculty, providing them with direct involvement in emergent consultations and procedures, enhancing their learning and practical skill set.

Research Opportunities

The program allocates dedicated research time for fellows, consisting of one half-day per week and one full day every other week, offering ample opportunities to engage in meaningful research projects that contribute to the advancement of interventional cardiology.

Application Process

To apply for the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, candidates must complete a three-year ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency and a subsequent three-year cardiovascular diseases fellowship program. Furthermore, successful completion of USMLE Steps I, II, and III is mandatory. The application process begins through the ERAS system.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, supporting both J-1 and H-1B visa types. This is particularly advantageous for candidates who require visa sponsorship to undertake their fellowship training.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is characterized as highly competitive, primarily aimed at graduates of U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical schools and is less frequently accommodating to International Medical Graduates (IMGs). While there is openness towards diversity among candidates, the program’s rigorous training expectations necessitate a strong background in cardiology.

Special Application Requirements

Competitive applicants should have graduated from their programs within a specific time frame, usually within the last few years, and generally, a maximum of one failed attempt on USMLE exams is preferred. Comprehensive credentials and preparedness for a demanding training environment are crucial for consideration.