Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship program at Indiana University School of Medicine offers a rigorous two-year ACGME-accredited fellowship aimed at providing advanced training in managing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). The program is notably interdisciplinary, incorporating the expertise of various specialties within cardiovascular medicine, such as cardio-obstetrics, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and transplantation, advanced imaging, diagnostic and interventional catheterization, electrophysiology, and cardiothoracic surgery.

The core curriculum is designed collaboratively among the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program, the Cardiovascular Institute, Riley Hospital for Children, and the Indiana University School of Medicine. Upon completion of the fellowship, participants will be eligible to obtain certification in adult congenital heart disease through the American Board of Internal Medicine 1.

Program Structure and Requirements

To be eligible for the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship, applicants must have completed a three-year cardiovascular disease fellowship, whether in adult or pediatric cardiology. The program is tailored to enhance the knowledge and skills of each trainee according to their training background. For instance, fellows with a pediatric cardiology background may spend more time focusing on core competencies in internal medicine, while those trained in adult cardiovascular medicine might focus more on pediatric medicine 2.

Achieving proficiency in cardiovascular imaging is crucial in this fellowship. Trainees will gain hands-on experience in various imaging modalities, including echocardiography, cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT), and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), with dedicated sessions designed to develop competency in these assessments. The specific design of clinical instruction ensures that fellows are equipped to make informed decisions about diagnostic approaches tailored to the needs of ACHD patients 2.

Clinical Experience

Fellows are involved in a diverse array of clinical experiences, including up to three months of advanced imaging rotations and time spent in post-operative management of ACHD patients. Critical collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—composed of faculty, surgical teams, and cardiovascular critical care workers—is emphasized, providing a well-rounded educational environment that promotes professional communication and teamwork skills 2.

Research Opportunities

In recognition of the growing field of ACHD, there is a strong focus on research, with dedicated time built into the fellowship for scholarly projects. Topics of high-priority research within the program include heart failure related to specific congenital conditions, pregnancy-associated risks, and psychological outcomes among ACHD patients. Each fellow is paired with a faculty member to facilitate research mentorship and personalized instruction in research methodologies 2.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

The Indiana University School of Medicine is strongly committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within its educational and clinical training environments. The school champions diverse representations across various dimensions such as race, gender, socioeconomic status, and more, and implements systematic programs aimed at improving cultural competence and inclusivity 2.

Visa Support and Application Competitiveness

The fellowship program offers visa support but does not accept H1B visas, which is pertinent for international medical graduates (IMGs) considering application. The application process through ERAS is competitive, and while detailed application metrics are not explicitly mentioned, strong procedural and clinical training backgrounds may favor candidates. Applicants should be prepared to provide comprehensive application materials including a valid ECFMG certificate for non-US medical graduates, USMLE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement 1.