HCA Medical City Healthcare UNT-TCU GME (Fort Worth) Program

Graduate Medical Education (GME) at Medical City Fort Worth is a highly regarded program within HCA Healthcare, known for its dedication to providing quality, patient-centered care. The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, a three-year program, is one of the specialized offerings under this umbrella, designed to train physicians to become proficient in both general and specialized cardiovascular medicine.

Program Mission and Overview

The mission of the Cardiology Fellowship at Medical City Fort Worth is to foster the next generation of physicians and leaders committed to patient care excellence. This program is ACGME accredited and offers nine positions each year. It aims to create a rewarding educational environment, emphasizing individualized learning opportunities and comprehensive faculty support.

The curriculum consists of a mixture of didactic training and hands-on clinical experience, aligned with the COCATS competencies. Fellows engage in various educational formats, including cardiology lectures, conferences, and academic rounds, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of cardiovascular medicine2.

Clinical Rotations and Training Environment

Fellows train in various cardiovascular settings at the base training institution, Medical City Fort Worth. They will be engaged in diagnostic and interventional cardiology, including exposure to procedures such as percutaneous coronary interventions and electrophysiology. Residents gain valuable experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, supplemented by additional training at affiliate sites for continuity outpatient clinics2.

The typical working hours are from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, matched with rotating on-call schedules. This format provides fellows with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of cardiac patient care environments, ensuring a well-rounded training experience2.

Curriculum and Instruction

The fellowship curriculum includes a robust core of didactics, structured in accordance with the COCATS competencies. The structured lectures cover crucial topics and clinical techniques necessary for a career in cardiology. Weekly sessions include conferences, journal clubs, and daily academic rounds to facilitate an environment of continuous learning and professional development2.

Additionally, fellows participate in comprehensive training activities that involve invasive procedures, providing extensive hands-on experience throughout the training period. The program is dedicated to not only teaching clinical skills but also to instill a philosophy of compassionate care and cultural inclusivity, which are essential in contemporary medical practice2.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows in the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program can expect a competitive salary along with substantial benefits. These benefits include provisions for professional memberships, conference and travel expenses, cell phones, laptops or iPads, and reimbursement for educational expenses, including board preparation. There is also provision for paid time off totaling 20 days per year2.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

This program offers visa sponsorship, making it accessible to International Medical Graduates (IMGs) seeking training opportunities. The medical training's highly competitive nature welcomes a diverse range of candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. To be considered for acceptance into the fellowship, candidates must successfully complete three years of a general internal medicine residency.

Applying for the program necessitates meeting specific requirements, such as successful completion of USMLE or COMLEX examinations on the first attempt. Candidates must also ensure submission of their applications through ERAS, along with adhering to the stipulated NRMP codes2.

Uniqueness and Community Engagement

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program at Medical City Fort Worth distinguishes itself through its rigorous clinical training and a strong emphasis on community service. The program is built upon a foundation of engaged faculty, who are not only educators but also active members of the local community, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare1.

Fellows are expected to participate in ongoing community health initiatives, which fosters a more profound understanding of the social determinants of health, aligning well with the program's commitment to patient-centered care. This approach prepares trainees to become not just excellent clinicians, but also thoughtful leaders in the healthcare field.