Kaiser Permanente Southern California (Los Angeles) Program

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (CCEP) Program at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center (LAMC) is designed to provide fellows with unparalleled training and exposure to a wide range of electrophysiology practices. As a tertiary referral center for twelve Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers, the program serves over three million patients, ensuring an extensive and diverse clinical experience.

Curriculum and Clinical Experience

The CCEP curriculum places a strong emphasis on hands-on experience. Fellows are involved in all aspects of clinical electrophysiology, including complex device implants and advanced procedures. These activities are complemented by direct supervision from experienced faculty members, allowing for a rich learning environment. Each fellow is expected to participate in a robust educational schedule, which includes daily diagnostics conferences and weekly teaching sessions that cover various topics within the field.

Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology fellows rotate between electrophysiology (EP) lab procedures and operating room (OR) device implants, totaling 60 work hours per week. Fellows have designated days off, alongside three weeks of vacation and potential educational leave. This structured approach ensures a balanced exposure to both inpatient and outpatient settings, including weekly continuity clinics for evaluation and management of patients with electrophysiologic disorders.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to engage in research activities, with provision for mentorship from faculty members who actively participate in ongoing studies. Research presentations at regional and national conferences, such as those organized by the Heart Rhythm Society, are highly encouraged, fostering a culture of academic inquiry and professional development among fellows.

Facility and Patient Population

The Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center is a 528-bed facility that functions as a major teaching hospital for UCLA. This setting exposes fellows to a wide variety of clinical cases, reflecting the demographics of Southern California, which includes a diverse patient population. LAMC houses the regional cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs, allowing fellows to be involved in innovative and state-of-the-art procedures such as pulsed-field ablation and leadless pacemakers.

Faculty and Mentorship

The CCEP faculty members at Kaiser Permanente are committed to providing individualized mentorship and education. With a team of dedicated professionals, including the program director and faculty members with extensive clinical backgrounds, fellows receive comprehensive guidance throughout their training.

Application Requirements

Prospective applicants must meet specific application criteria, including the required training prerequisites. The program is competitive, welcoming both D.O. and international medical graduates (IMGs). Details regarding the application timeline, which includes a submission deadline of November 11, 2024, encourage early submission due to potential filling of interview slots before the deadline. One position per year is available, reflecting the competitive nature of the fellowship.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship and support for international medical graduates seeking to complete their fellowship in the United States. The type of visas supported typically includes J-1 visas, a common option for medical graduates participating in graduate medical education programs.

Competitiveness and Environment

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Program at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles is recognized for its dynamic educational environment and significant clinical volume, making it a highly competitive fellowship opportunity. The program's robust structure is designed to ensure fellows are thoroughly prepared for independent practice upon completion.