Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program

The cardiovascular disease training program at Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium is an ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to cultivate competent, caring cardiologists through a comprehensive, hands-on approach to education and clinical experience. With a history dating back to 1970, the program has successfully trained over 162 cardiologists. The program emphasizes whole person care, innovative treatment options, and community health initiatives, which are particularly evident through mission work aimed at reducing health disparities worldwide 1.

The program offers a unique experience by placing a strong focus on engagement with underserved populations, which enhances fellows' understanding of diverse medical conditions. As the only facility in the region to perform heart transplants, fellows also benefit from exposure to complex medical cases and advanced treatment modalities, positioning the program at the forefront of cardiovascular medicine in the Inland Empire 1.

Training Sites

Fellows will rotate through three key clinical sites, each providing diverse patient experiences. These sites include:

• Loma Linda University Medical Center: This facility features advanced catheterization laboratories and diagnostic imaging services, essential for mastering cardiovascular procedures.
• Loma Linda Veterans Affairs Hospital: Serving veterans since 1977, this institution emphasizes quality care for specific patient populations and has been recognized for its high standards of organizational excellence.
• Riverside University Health System Medical Center: An academic medical center with a broad array of specialties, this site enriches the fellows' training through collaboration and shared learning experiences.

Additional exposure comes from SAC Health, a federally qualified health center dedicated to providing healthcare access to the medically underserved 4.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship encompasses a rigorous curriculum that covers cardiology's essential aspects, including advanced heart failure, transplant cardiology, interventional cardiology, and electrophysiology. Training also allows fellows to achieve the ACC/AHA level II in various cardiology subspecialties such as:

• Coronary Angiography
• Transthoracic and Transesophageal Echocardiography
• Nuclear Cardiology
• Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography

The program's didactic component consists of numerous educational conferences designed to facilitate knowledge acquisition and provide fellows with formal training opportunities. These include conferences focused on echocardiography, cath procedures, guideline reviews, and grand rounds aimed at multidisciplinary clinical education 4.

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship. Each fellow is encouraged to initiate, develop, and complete a high-quality research project suitable for publication during their tenure. The fellowship's commitment to research not only expands the fellows' academic credentials but also fosters an environment conducive to innovation within cardiovascular medicine 3.

Application Process

Admission to the program is highly competitive, with a limited number of positions available each year. Candidates must hold a valid work permit prior to the submission of their application and must comply with the prerequisites outlined by the program:

• U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, or specific visa eligibility including J-1 or H-1B status.
• ECFMG certification for international medical graduates.
• Completion of requisite ACGME-accredited training prior to the fellowship.

Applications must be submitted through the National Resident Matching Program and include a comprehensive set of materials such as a personal statement, recommendation letters, and proof of prior training 5.

Stipend and Benefits

The program offers competitive stipends with added housing and meal allowances, alongside comprehensive medical and dental benefits. Important details include:

• Each PGY level stipend is supplemented with a $5,000 housing allowance and a $1,500 meal allowance annually.
• Two hundred forty hours of paid time off (30 days) is provided each year, which can be utilized for various personal needs.
• Residents are eligible for additional income opportunities through moonlighting within approved parameters.
• Support and resources for educational expenses, including reimbursement for relevant licensing and educational materials, further enhance the program's overall appeal 6.