Mass General Brigham/Massachusetts General Hospital Program
Location:
Boston, MASpecialty:
Advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologyACGME Code:
1592414014The Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Corrigan Minehan Heart Center provides advanced clinical care for patients with heart failure and candidates for heart transplantation. The program has been recognized since the 1970s for its innovative treatment methods and its focus on multidisciplinary care.
Program Overview
This program is structured around a collaborative approach that includes cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nurse practitioners, and support staff, all dedicated to managing complex heart diseases. The primary objective is to ensure optimal treatment pathways for patients suffering from advanced heart diseases, including but not limited to congestive heart failure, cardiac amyloidosis, and cardiomyopathies.
Treatment and Care
Conditions treated by the program are extensive and include:
- Congestive heart failure
- Cardiac amyloidosis
- Advanced congenital heart diseases
- Cardiomyopathy
- End-stage heart disease
Multidisciplinary Team Approach
The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including nutritionists, physical therapists, and pharmacists, who work together to create personalized care plans. Such collaborations ensure that physical, emotional, and nutritional aspects of patient care are addressed comprehensively.
Research and Clinical Trials
Access to cutting-edge research opportunities is a distinctive feature of the program. The heart failure team is involved in leading clinical trials, often centered on new medical and surgical therapies, which are supported by the National Institutes of Health. The research focuses on reducing organ rejection in heart transplant candidates and exploring therapies for complex cases requiring advanced interventions.
Innovative Surgical Options
The surgical procedures available include:
- Heart transplantation
- Ventricular assist devices (VADs)
- Valve repair and replacement surgery
- Coronary artery bypass grafting
Candidates for VAD are typically patients waiting for transplantation or those for whom transplantation may not be an option. These devices assist heart function, significantly improving patient quality of life while prolonging life expectancy in cases of severe heart failure.
Training and Education
Participants in the advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology training can expect rigorous educational opportunities, including interactions with specialists across various disciplines and exposure to innovative treatment protocols. Faculty involved in the training are affiliated with Harvard Medical School, providing an enriching educational environment that emphasizes both clinical and research components.
Residency Application Requirements
While the program is accessible to various candidates, it is considered highly competitive. Eligibility criteria include:
- Graduation from an accredited medical school within a certain timeframe
- No excessive failures in relevant board examinations (e.g., USMLE or COMLEX)
Visa Support
The program is committed to providing support for international candidates, including visa sponsorship opportunities for eligible applicants. This support typically covers non-immigrant visas for those who qualify.
Competitiveness and Diversity
The Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplant Program is known to be friendly towards both DO and international medical graduates (IMGs), encouraging diverse application pools. This opens doors for various candidates motivated to advance their careers in this specialized field of cardiology.
Website
Director
Erin E Coglianese, MDProgram Director Appointed Since October 2017Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$104,500First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Boston, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Boston, MA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Boston has a relatively higher crime rate compared to some other cities in the U.S., especially in certain neighborhoods. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially at night.
- Fun Activities: Boston is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant arts scene. Residents can enjoy visiting historical sites, museums, theaters, parks, and various festivals throughout the year.
- Climate: Boston experiences all four seasons with cold winters and hot summers. Be prepared for snowfall in the winter and humidity in the summer.
- Races and Population: Boston is a diverse city with a mix of races and cultures among its population. Residents can experience a lively multicultural atmosphere.
- Education: Boston is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including Harvard University and MIT. Residents have access to top-notch educational opportunities.
- Cost of Living: Boston is known for its relatively high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing and healthcare. It's advisable to budget carefully to manage expenses.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Boston is located approximately 4 hours drive from New York City. New York City offers a different urban experience with its own cultural attractions, dining scene, and entertainment options.
- Pros: Rich history, cultural diversity, top educational institutions, vibrant arts scene.
- Cons: High cost of living, higher crime rate in certain areas.
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