Lehigh Valley Health Network Program

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) provides a comprehensive three-year training program that is ACGME-accredited. This program is designed to cultivate skilled cardiologists equipped for both clinical practice and advanced fellowships. With access to an extensive network of over 37 full-time faculty members, fellows are immersed in a supportive and collaborative educational atmosphere.

Fellowship Overview

The program's emphasis on comprehensive clinical training ensures that fellows receive an in-depth education in various aspects of cardiology. This includes clinical and consultative cardiology, cardiac imaging, and procedural opportunities in cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs. Notably, fellows will achieve Level II training in echocardiography and nuclear cardiology.

LVHN’s initiative to maintain high educational standards is reflected in its 100% rolling pass rate for the ABIM Cardiovascular Disease Board Certification Exam. This program integrates rigorous didactics, including monthly Grand Rounds featuring experts from around the globe, ensuring that fellows are well-prepared for board examinations.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously structured to include clinical rotations at the Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest campus, where every clinical service is supervised by faculty mentors. The annual curriculum features:

• First-Year Fellow Curriculum
• Second-Year Fellow Curriculum
• Third-Year Fellow Curriculum

Moreover, the program allows elective opportunities in the third year, enabling fellows to tailor their educational experience to align with their career goals.

Research Opportunities

Research forms an integral aspect of the fellowship, with all fellows required to engage in scholarly activities. This may take the form of clinical research, systematic reviews, surveys, and other investigative endeavors to foster a deeper understanding of cardiovascular disorders and effective treatments. Ongoing research initiatives enhance both clinical education and care quality.

Benefits and Salary

Compensation for LVHN fellows is competitive, accompanied by benefits that enhance the fellowship experience. These include:

• 14 days of PTO
• 5 additional holiday leaves
• 5 days dedicated to continuing medical education (CME)
• Access to comprehensive online educational resources through CardioSource Plus
• Membership in the ACC for fellows, along with a book allowance for first-year fellows

These benefits are designed to support the fellows' well-being and professional development throughout their training.

Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet the following application requirements:

• Graduation from an ACGME- or AOA-accredited internal medicine residency program
• Passage of USMLE/COMLEX Steps I, II, and III
• J-1 and H-1B visa options are available for international medical graduates (IMGs), making the program accommodating for foreign applicants

Notably, while prior clinical or research experience in the United States is not mandated, it can significantly strengthen an application. The program does not provide observerships or externships.

Competitiveness and International Applicants

The fellowship is competitive, accepting five fellows annually. The program is both DO-friendly and IMG-friendly, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. Foreign medical graduates are welcomed, provided they meet the prerequisite education requirements.

Living in the Lehigh Valley

The LWHN campus is perfectly located within the rapidly growing Lehigh Valley region, close to major urban centers like Philadelphia and New York City. This setting offers a lower cost of living compared to surrounding metropolitan areas without sacrificing access to culture, education, and recreational activities.