Hospital Episcopal San Lucas/Ponce School of Medicine Program

Program Overview

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program at Hospital Episcopal San Lucas and Ponce School of Medicine is designed to train physicians in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart and blood vessel diseases. The program emphasizes comprehensive clinical training, advanced diagnostic techniques, and effective patient care. This rigorous fellowship is structured to ensure fellows develop the necessary skills to excel in the field of cardiology.

The fellowship typically spans a duration of three years, during which fellows gain extensive experience through diverse rotations, research opportunities, and an emphasis on both inpatient and outpatient care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum at the program integrates clinical rotations across various subspecialties within cardiology, ensuring fellows receive well-rounded training. Core rotations may include:

• General Cardiology: Providing experience in fundamental cardiology assessment and management.
• Interventional Cardiology: Hands-on training in catheterizations, angioplasties, and stent placements.
• Electrophysiology: Training focused on the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias.
• Heart Failure and Transplantation: Exposure to advanced heart failure management and transplant protocols.
• Critical Care: Engaging with critically ill patients in the cardiology intensive care setting.

This program places a strong emphasis on both clinical competence and research, enabling fellows to participate actively in ongoing studies and to conduct their own research projects.

Research and Academic Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to engage in research related to cardiovascular diseases, which is critical for academic development and for the advancement of knowledge in the field. Fellows may collaborate with experienced faculty members on innovative projects and have the opportunity to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals.

The program also provides education in evidence-based medicine, teaching fellows how to critically assess literature and apply findings to clinical practice.

Training Sites

Fellows benefit from a variety of clinical training environments, including the main hospital and affiliated outpatient facilities. This diversified exposure helps ensure that fellows are prepared to handle a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Visa Support

The program offers sponsorship for different visa types, including J-1 visas for international medical graduates. This makes the program more accessible to a diverse group of applicants, including those who come from varying international backgrounds.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, including MDs and DOs, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants must meet certain criteria to be considered:

• A valid medical degree from an accredited institution.
• Completion of an accredited residency program in internal medicine.
• Strong performance on USMLE steps, with a limited number of failed attempts typically accepted.
• Evidence of research activities is highly recommended.

Moreover, the fellowship program looks for a demonstrated commitment to cardiology through clinical experiences, research, or volunteer work, contributing to a holistic selection process.

Additional Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment that prepares fellows to serve a multicultural patient population. Proper training is emphasized in both English and Spanish, ensuring that fellows are culturally competent in their interactions with patients.

Furthermore, the fellowship integrates didactic teaching sessions to augment clinical experience, providing weekly conferences, grand rounds, and guest lectures from leaders in the field.