HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME - Tampa South Program

The HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine Graduate Medical Education (GME) program offers a Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at HCA Florida Blake Hospital, located in Brandon. This fellowship is designed to train the next generation of cardiovascular specialists through a comprehensive curriculum, rich clinical exposure, and a supportive educational environment.

Program Overview

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program is committed to providing fellows with a well-rounded educational experience that encompasses all aspects of cardiovascular medicine. The fellowship aims to develop not only clinical expertise but also leadership skills and the ability to conduct impactful research. The program is characterized by its integration with HCA Healthcare's commitment to high-quality patient care and its affiliation with the University of South Florida’s Morsani College of Medicine. The fellowship is ACGME accredited and supports a maximum of two fellows per training year.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is structured to include comprehensive training in invasive and non-invasive cardiovascular procedures, diagnostics, and therapies. Fellows are expected to rotate through various clinical settings, gaining hands-on experience in cardiology interventions, heart failure management, and arrhythmias.2 Key rotations may include:

• Invasive Cardiology
• Non-Invasive Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Heart Failure and Transplantation
• Cardiovascular Imaging

Additional opportunities for research collaboration are available, enhancing the fellows' ability to contribute to the medical community through scholarly activities.

Training Environment

HCA Florida Blake Hospital provides a state-of-the-art training environment, featuring a 383-bed tertiary hospital equipped with advanced technology and facilities for complex cardiovascular care. The hospital is recognized as a Level II Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, which allows for a diverse patient population and wide-ranging clinical experiences.1 Moreover, the hospital's location on Florida’s west coast enables fellows to participate in various community outreach programs, fostering a holistic approach to patient care.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages involvement in research projects, with access to relevant resources and mentorship from experienced faculty members. Research efforts are supported through collaborations with the Morsani College of Medicine, emphasizing the importance of contributing to the advancement of cardiovascular medicine.2 Fellows are expected to participate actively in conferences and present their findings in scholarly meetings.

Visa Support

The program supports a range of visa types for international medical graduates (IMGs). Fellows may be eligible for sponsorship of J-1 visas, which are commonly used for graduate medical education. This support is instrumental in fostering a diverse learning environment that enriches the fellowship experience.

Competitiveness

The application process for the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at HCA Florida Blake Hospital is highly competitive. The program aims to attract a diverse pool of applicants, including those from both MD and DO backgrounds, as well as IMGs who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and clinical experience. Although the program is demanding, it is particularly supportive of applicants from various backgrounds and experiences.1

Special Application Requirements

Prospective fellows should be aware of specific application requirements, including a strong performance in prior residency training and completion of necessary board exams. While the program does not have a strict maximum number of failed attempts for STEP examinations, a strong history of academic achievement is essential for consideration.2

Additionally, applicants are encouraged to provide letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining their career goals, and any relevant research experience.

Salary and Benefits

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship provides competitive salary and benefits, which may include professional memberships, conference travel expenses, and educational resources. The program is designed to support the fellows not only financially but also with the tools necessary for professional development.2