Johns Hopkins University Program
Location:
Baltimore, MDSpecialty:
Pediatric cardiologyACGME Code:
3252311021The Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Children's Center is a comprehensive three-year training program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in academic pediatric cardiology. Established in 1931 under the directorship of Dr. Helen Brooke Taussig, the program has remained at the forefront of pediatric cardiology, focusing on clinical care, innovative diagnostic methods, therapeutic techniques, and cutting-edge research.
The fellowship program emphasizes a strong educational foundation combined with extensive clinical exposure and research opportunities. The structure of the fellowship is designed to ensure a well-rounded experience, with the first year largely clinically oriented, the second year bridging clinical work with research responsibilities, and the third year focusing primarily on research while continuing clinical involvement.
Curriculum Overview
During the fellowship, fellows undergo a detailed and varied curriculum that encompasses multiple aspects of pediatric cardiology. The program includes diverse clinical rotations, emphasizing consultative services for inpatients and outpatients, with a significant focus on the management of surgical patients and emergencies.
Year 1: Clinical Foundations
The first year consists of clinical rotations where fellows are responsible for providing expert consultative services alongside attending physicians. Responsibilities include managing postoperative cardiac patients and critically ill neonates with heart disease. Essential skills in echocardiography, electrophysiology, invasive laboratory techniques, and noninvasive testing form the backbone of this year. Training in the echocardiography lab is crucial, as fellows learn to perform and interpret various echocardiographic studies, including fetal echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography.
Year 2: Research Development
The second year allows fellows to take a more active role in patient care while developing a proposed research project. Comparatively, this year places a heightened emphasis on academic growth, enabling fellows to refine their clinical skills while conducting meaningful research.
Year 3: Advanced Training
In the third year, fellows focus on completing their research projects and further honing their clinical skills. The training is tailored to align with each fellow’s individual career aspirations, guided by faculty evaluations. This year is particularly beneficial for fellows looking to establish expertise in specific areas of pediatric cardiology.
The fellowship may also offer a provisional fourth year dedicated to research for those who wish to deepen their investigative pursuits.
Research Opportunities
The research component of the fellowship is robust, encouraging fellows to engage in both basic and clinical projects. Trainees are urged to collaborate across divisions and departments, enriching their research experiences. Active research initiatives encompass a variety of topics including innovative interventional techniques for congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and other significant areas affecting pediatric cardiology.
Training Facilities and Collaboration
The Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship is hosted at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a leading pediatric facility with over 200 beds, interconnected with the renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital. The fellowship program operates in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Heart Center, enabling extensive interdisciplinary interaction across adult cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and critical care departments.
Diversity and Inclusion
The fellowship program is committed to fostering an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount. Initiatives such as the Johns Hopkins Visiting Resident Elective Program aim to build a community that reflects the broader spectrum of human differences, integral to enriching the training environment for all fellows.
Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness
The Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship is open to a diverse pool of applicants, including those from International Medical Graduate (IMG) backgrounds. The program supports H-1B and J-1 visa types, facilitating entry for qualified international candidates.
Competition for acceptance into this fellowship is significant, emphasizing the need for applicants to have completed an accredited pediatric residency program and to demonstrate outstanding clinical and academic qualifications. Applicants may begin the application process during their second year of residency, and each application must be completed by the November 31 deadline.
Faculty and Educational Commitment
The educational experience is enriched by a diverse faculty comprised of experts in various subspecialties of pediatric cardiology, ensuring comprehensive mentorship and guidance throughout the fellowship lifecycle. Each faculty member actively contributes to both the clinical and research components of the program, ensuring fellows receive a multifaceted education.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,863First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Baltimore, MD
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Baltimore, MD - Program Location Overview
- Crime Rate and Safety: Baltimore has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, with some areas being safer than others. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods for safety before moving.
- Fun Activities: Baltimore offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Inner Harbor, museums, historic sites, and waterfront activities. There are also parks, nightlife spots, and diverse dining options to explore.
- Climate: Baltimore experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, making outdoor activities enjoyable during those times.
- Races and Population: Baltimore is a diverse city with a significant African American population. It also has a mix of other races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant culture and communities.
- Education: Baltimore is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities and contributing to the city's intellectual landscape.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Baltimore is slightly above the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor. Rent and home prices can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Baltimore is about an hour's drive away from Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Both cities offer their own unique attractions, cultural experiences, and job opportunities for residents willing to commute.
- Pros: Diverse population, cultural attractions, educational opportunities, proximity to other major cities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate in some areas, slightly above average cost of living, extreme weather conditions.
Interview Questions
