Louisiana State University Program
Location:
New Orleans, LASpecialty:
Cardiovascular diseaseACGME Code:
1412121246The 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.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$64,145First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
New Orleans, LA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, promises a vibrant and culturally rich living experience for residents. Here's a breakdown of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: New Orleans has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While some neighborhoods are safer than others, it's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Known for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and Mardi Gras festivities, New Orleans offers endless entertainment options. Residents can enjoy jazz performances, explore historic French Quarter, and indulge in local Creole and Cajun dishes.
- Climate: New Orleans has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
- Races and Population: New Orleans is a diverse city with a mix of various races and cultures, contributing to its unique charm and cultural richness.
- Education: New Orleans is home to several higher education institutions, including Tulane University and Loyola University, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Orleans is relatively lower compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood, with more affordable options available in suburban areas.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: New Orleans is located about 90 miles away from Baton Rouge and 335 miles from Houston, making it fairly accessible by car. Baton Rouge is approximately a 1.5-hour drive, offering a change of scenery and additional amenities.
Considerations: While New Orleans is vibrant and culturally rich, it's important to be mindful of the higher crime rate in certain areas and the humid climate during the summer months. Residents should explore different neighborhoods to find a suitable living environment that meets their preferences and safety concerns.
Interview Questions
