Louisiana State University Program

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program at Louisiana State University (LSU) in New Orleans offers a robust training experience for fellows pursuing advanced education in cardiology. The fellowship is structured to provide comprehensive exposure to a variety of clinical settings, academic activities, and research opportunities aimed at developing well-rounded cardiologists.

Curriculum Overview

During the fellowship's three-year program, fellows will rotate with staff physicians across various services, including consultative cardiology, echocardiography, arrhythmias, and cardiac catheterization. The curriculum includes attending weekly cardiac catheterization, ECG, echocardiography, and case conferences, as well as participating in monthly research conferences to present research projects and contribute to scholarly activities 1.

Typical Fellowship Schedule

The fellowship is designed to maximize exposure to critical cardiology topics. Below is a typical schedule:

First Year

• 2 months of Cardiac Care Unit/Cardiology Consult Service
• 3 months in the Cath Lab
• 1 month of Electrophysiology
• 1 month of Echocardiography
• 3 months at Touro Infirmary
• 1 month at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner
• 1 month of Elective
• 1 month of Vacation

Second Year

• 1 month of Cardiac Care Unit/Cardiology Consult Service
• 2 months in the Cath Lab
• 1 month of Electrophysiology
• 1 month of Echocardiography
• 3 months at Touro Infirmary
• 1 month at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner
• 1 month of Research
• 2 months of Elective
• 1 month of Vacation

Third Year

• 1 month of Cath Lab
• 1 month of Electrophysiology
• 1 month of Echocardiography
• 3 months at Touro Infirmary
• 1 month at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner
• 1 month of Research
• 4 months of Electives
• 1 month of Vacation

Rotations and Training Sites

Fellows will undergo training at multiple prestigious institutions, including:

• University Medical Center: A leading facility for comprehensive cardiovascular services located at 2000 Canal St, New Orleans, LA.
• Touro Infirmary: Known for its high standard of cardiac care, located at 1401 Foucher St, New Orleans, LA.
• Ochsner Medical Center: A prominent healthcare institution located at 200 W Esplanade Ave, Kenner, LA, providing specialized cardiac services.

Research Opportunities

In alignment with ACGME requirements, fellows are expected to engage in research initiatives throughout their training. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly productivity, with opportunities to publish findings from ongoing clinical studies and contribute to journal publications 1.

Visa Support

The program can sponsor J-1 exchange visitor visas for international medical graduates. Applicants must provide proof of their visa status prior to the interview stage. This inclusion facilitates access for diverse candidates, expanding the fellowship's reach and fostering a rich educational environment.

Application Requirements

Eligibility requirements for applicants are as follows:

• Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold a J-1 visa (ECFMG sponsorship is also required for foreign medical graduates).
• Submission of a current curriculum vitae.
• Three letters of recommendation (four maximum; one must be from the program director).
• A personal statement detailing cohesive career objectives.
• ECFMG certification for international applicants.
• USMLE scores are mandatory for all applicants.

Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, attracting a significant pool of qualified candidates. It welcomes applications from both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates, ensuring a diverse fellowship cohort.

Fellowship Faculty

The fellowship boasts a distinguished faculty that includes nationally recognized experts in various cardiology subspecialties, enhancing the educational experience for fellows. Faculty provide mentorship and supervision across clinical rotations and research activities, contributing significantly to the fellow's development into a proficient cardiologist 2.

Clinical Experience

Fellows will gain extensive clinical experience, treating a vast range of cardiovascular conditions, from varicosities to advanced heart failure. The clinical training emphasizes both invasive and non-invasive cardiology, preparing fellows to be leaders in the field post-graduation 2.