Hennepin Healthcare/Abbott-Northwestern Hospital Program

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Hennepin Healthcare and Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern is a comprehensive three-year ACGME-accredited program designed to cultivate clinical excellence and scholarship among its participants. One of the primary objectives is to prepare cardiology fellows for successful careers by allowing them to tailor their educational experiences based on individual career aspirations. The program accepts two fellows per year, with a total of seven fellows due to the addition of an extra fellow every third year.

The training takes place across two leading hospitals that coordinate an extensive array of clinical experiences. The fellowship program boasts dedicated faculty who are well-respected in both general and subspecialty cardiology. Notably, many faculty members are involved in writing clinical guidelines and serve as editors for various medical journals. This ensures that fellows not only benefit from an extensive body of research but also engage in cutting-edge studies in cardiovascular disease management.

Program Structure and Rotations

Throughout the fellowship, trainees participate in diverse clinical activities that span across critical areas such as interventional cardiology, structural heart disease, adult congenital heart conditions, electrophysiology, cardiovascular imaging, and advanced heart failure, including mechanical circulatory support and cardiac transplantation. The fellowship includes protected time for didactic sessions and continuity clinics, enabling fellows to further refine their clinical skills and theoretical understanding.

The curriculum is structured as follows:

• Year 1: Core rotations in inpatient service, consultations, cath lab, echo lab, and continuity clinic.
• Year 2: Continuation of core rotations with the addition of electives, focusing on areas such as electrophysiology and nuclear imaging.
• Year 3: Customizable rotation schedule allowing fellows to focus on subspecializations and career goals, including opportunities for 6+ months of advanced imaging experience.

The program aims to enable fellows to achieve a minimum level 2 certification in all desired training areas, facilitating extensive exposure to a variety of clinical cases, including those found in international settings. There is a significant scope for hands-on training in advanced procedures such as catheterizations and ablations.

Research Opportunities

The program abounds with opportunities for research, supporting fellows in pursuing up to six months dedicated to scholarly activities. This allows fellows to work on peer-reviewed publications, actively participate in clinical trials, and present findings at major conferences. The fellowship reflects a deep commitment to nurturing future leaders in cardiovascular medicine through both education and practical experience, with many graduates going on to secure positions in competitive subspecialty fellowships or exemplary academic roles.

Application Requirements

Candidates for the fellowship must meet specific application criteria, including completion of a three-year ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency. Submissions are accepted primarily through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and three letters of recommendation, including one from the program director, are required. International medical graduates must hold an ECFMG certificate and are only eligible for J-1 visas; the program does not sponsor H1-B visas.

Call Schedule and Benefits

Fellows are expected to participate in an approximately one to two night call per week as well as several weekend calls throughout the year. The program includes a meal stipend, free parking, and annual educational funding to support fellows' learning endeavors. Additionally, fellows enjoy a balance of clinical responsibilities with 21 vacation days and ample opportunities for moonlighting.

Diversity and Inclusion

Hennepin Healthcare and the Minneapolis Heart Institute are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity among fellows, faculty, and their patient populations. This commitment reflects in the training ethos where fellows learn to engage with patients from various backgrounds, enhancing their cultural competency.

Overall, the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Hennepin Healthcare provides a robust framework and supportive atmosphere for future cardiologists, ensuring they emerge as proficient specialists equipped for the diverse challenges of cardiovascular medicine.