Main Line Health System/Lankenau Medical Center Program

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program offered by Main Line Health System, specifically at Lankenau Medical Center, is designed to provide comprehensive clinical training in the field of electrophysiology. This fellowship is characterized as a clinically-oriented, procedurally-heavy program that emphasizes hands-on learning and in-depth experience with various advanced electrophysiological procedures.

Program Highlights

The fellowship provides fellows access to two state-of-the-art electrophysiology labs that operate simultaneously, enabling exposure to a wide range of complex procedures. Fellows are trained extensively in various key areas, including:

• Device implantation and management, focusing on HIS and left bundle pacing
• Utilization of implantable rhythm monitors
• Advanced mapping systems such as Carto, Rhythmia, and ESI
• Radiofrequency ablation for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias
• Epicardial access and ablation techniques
• Collaboration with cardiothoracic surgery for convergence procedures
• Laser lead extraction
• Percutaneous left atrial appendage closure

Application Process

The application process for the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship occurs through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and is part of the National Medical Specialties Matching Program. Candidates must submit the following essential documents:

• ERAS application
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the current program director
• Medical School Dean's letter and transcript

All applications are collected through ERAS in July, and invitations to interview are distributed via ERAS with interviews scheduled during the fall.

Program Structure

The fellowship structure primarily involves time spent in the electrophysiology lab. An available general cardiology fellow and nurse practitioners provide inpatient consultation at all times. The electrophysiology fellow plays a key role in overseeing complicated cases and participates in pre-procedural planning with the consultation team as needed. Through this program, fellows develop crucial clinical skills including:

• Device implantation, including pocket creation and revision
• Complex device management and troubleshooting
• Electrophysiology studies including ablation techniques for SVT, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia
• Epicardial ablation
• Left atrial appendage closure
• Laser lead extraction

Conferences and Educational Opportunities

Fellows are also engaged in conferences that are vital for their educational development. These include:

• Monthly EP case and tracings review
• Monthly journal club
• Cardiology grand rounds
• Research and clinical trial conference
• Twice-monthly EKG conference with general cardiology fellows

Additionally, fellows have the opportunity to work on clinical research studies alongside experienced faculty and are encouraged to contribute to ongoing studies related to long QT and J-wave syndromes at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, which is well-respected in this field.

Visa Support

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The program typically supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, accommodating both international medical students and graduates who apply for the fellowship.

Competitiveness and Applicant Requirements

This program is considered highly competitive, with a distinct emphasis on recruiting candidates who have performed strongly in their previous training. Applicants should be aware that there are specific requirements which may include a maximum threshold for failed STEP exams and a preference for recent medical graduates. The program demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and welcomes applications from both DO and IMG candidates.