Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Program

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers a comprehensive and rigorous two-year training program aimed at developing expertise in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). This fellowship, based within the Mount Sinai Heart at The Mount Sinai Hospital, is part of a leading institution ranked high nationally for cardiology and cardiovascular surgery.

Graduates from this fellowship will gain eligibility for certification in Adult Congenital Heart Disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The program aims to cultivate future leaders in cardiovascular medicine through advanced clinical practice, academic engagement, and scientific investigations in various aspects of cardiovascular care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship program takes a multidisciplinary approach, offering robust clinical training across various areas of ACHD, including:

• High-risk pregnancy
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Cardiac imaging
• Electrophysiology
• Diagnostic and interventional catheterization
• Advanced heart failure and mechanical circulatory support
• Transplantation
• Cardiac surgery specific to adult patients with congenital heart disease

Fellows will engage in a dedicated outpatient rotation, seeing approximately 200 patients monthly, and will have opportunities to manage their own cases under faculty supervision, enhancing clinical skills through active patient engagement.

Inpatient Service

On the inpatient side, fellows care for a diverse patient population within intensive care units and medical units, providing consultative services for both adult and pediatric patients admitted for ACHD-related conditions. This comprehensive experience includes case management discussions and presentations in monthly conferences, fostering a deeper understanding of complex cardiac conditions.

Imaging and Catheterization Training

The program integrates advanced imaging techniques, training fellows to perform and interpret echocardiograms (both transthoracic and transesophageal) and MRI/CT studies. They will also gain practical experience in cardiac catheterization, engaging in diagnostic and interventional procedures throughout the fellowship.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are expected to undertake independent research projects, engaging with faculty to explore ongoing studies that could range from basic to clinical research. This aspect not only promotes academic development but also enhances the fellow's ability to contribute meaningfully to the field of cardiovascular medicine.

Application Requirements

To apply for this fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited adult or pediatric cardiology fellowship. It is critical for applicants to submit a complete application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by August 15, which must include:

• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of professional and investigative interest
• USMLE Transcript (Steps 1-3)
• Medical School Transcript
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (if applicable)
• Three letters of recommendation (one from a cardiology fellowship director and two from cardiology faculty)

Moreover, fellows must pass all three steps of the USMLE, hold a valid medical license in New York upon acceptance, and foreign medical graduates must possess a valid ECFMG certificate, as only J-1 visas are accepted for international applicants.

Competitiveness

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship is recognized as a highly competitive program. Applicants are encouraged to present a strong academic record, relevant clinical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to care for patients with congenital heart disease.

Unique Aspects

What sets the Mount Sinai Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship apart is its dual pathway admission structure, accommodating both pediatric and adult cardiology backgrounds. This flexibility allows fellows to tailor their education according to prior training and specific interests within the complex field of ACHD.