Louisiana State University School of Medicine Program

The Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program offers an accredited three-year training program with positions available for two fellows per year, establishing itself as the only Pediatric Cardiology training program in Louisiana. The program's mission focuses on developing Pediatric Cardiologists with exceptional clinical competencies, suitable for various clinical and academic environments. The division provides comprehensive care to patients across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast community from fetal life to adulthood, ensuring that fellows are well-prepared to enhance patient safety, embrace inter-professional teamwork, and contribute to the overall quality of healthcare delivery in their future roles.

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The Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship is based at the Children's Hospital of New Orleans, which has undergone significant transformations recently, including a $300 million expansion. This expansion has resulted in modernized facilities, including a family-centered 28-bed cardiac intensive care unit and advanced cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs. The Heart Center serves approximately 2000 patients annually, providing a diverse range of services including pediatric and adult congenital cardiothoracic surgery, diagnostic and interventional catheterization, and advanced imaging technologies such as echocardiography, MRI, and CT-angiography.

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Clinical Training

The program offers extensive hands-on training in various clinical areas, ensuring that fellows gain substantial inpatient and outpatient experience. Key areas of focus include:

• Inpatient Cardiology
• Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Procedures
• Echocardiography (Transthoracic, Transesophageal, and Fetal)
• Electrophysiology and Non-Invasive Testing
• Cardiac Intensive Care
• Outpatient Cardiology Consultation
• Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy
• Pediatric Coronary Artery Disease
• Cardiac CT and MRI
• Congenital Heart Disease

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Educational Curriculum

The fellowship includes a robust didactic curriculum that encompasses a range of topics crucial for Pediatric Cardiologists. This includes:

• Monthly Cardiology Lectures and Board Review Series
• Electrophysiology and Cardiac Catheterization training
• Heart Failure, Cardiac Genetics, and Acquired Heart Disease studies
• Quality Improvement Curriculum
• Research modules with mentorship from the Scientific Oversight Committee

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This structured educational approach aims to facilitate both clinical knowledge and research capabilities, with dedicated time allocated for research projects throughout the training.

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Research Opportunities

Research is integral to the fellowship experience at LSUHSC. Each fellow is required to complete a scholarly product by the end of their training, with dedicated time and support provided to navigate these efforts successfully. The program offers mentorship through the Scientific Oversight Committee and collaboration opportunities through the Cardiology Outcomes and Research Team (CORT), enhancing the fellows' research capabilities and networking.

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Application Requirements

The application process for the fellowship requires candidates to submit applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Essential prerequisites include:

• Completion of pediatric residency training at an accredited institution.
• Graduation from an LCME-accredited medical school or equivalent.
• Passing USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 or COMLEX Levels 1, 2, and 3.
• Eligibility for Louisiana medical licensure.

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The program often adopts a friendly stance toward DO and IMG candidates by offering J-1 visa sponsorship, making it accessible to a diverse pool of applicants.

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Benefits and Well-Being

Fellows receive comprehensive benefits, including a competitive pay scale based on year of training, allocated vacation and sick leave, and educational opportunities. The program emphasizes physician well-being, offering resources such as the Campus Assistance Program to support mental and emotional health.

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Additional offerings include meal tickets, funding for educational materials, and access to wellness resources, ensuring that fellows experience a balanced training environment that values their professional and personal growth.

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Diversity and Community Engagement

LSUHSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse backgrounds and promotes health equity among its trainees and patient populations. The School of Medicine actively implements initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within its programs.

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This diverse community enriches the educational experience of fellows and enhances their capability to deliver culturally competent care.