McLaren Health Care/Flint/MSU Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at McLaren Flint/Michigan State University is a comprehensive one-year training program designed to equip fellows with the skills required for a successful career in interventional cardiology. Located in a busy tertiary referral center with 387 beds, the program benefits from excellent facilities, including six cardiac catheterization labs and one hybrid room, enabling exposure to a broad spectrum of cardiac pathology and high procedural volume, performing approximately 1,000 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) annually 1.

The program's curriculum is structured to foster expertise in key interventional techniques and decision-making processes regarding clinical cases. This includes risk assessment, management post-procedure, and a solid understanding of procedural expectations. Additionally, fellows will have opportunities to work with various specialties, gaining insights through interactions with residents and fellows from general cardiology and pulmonary critical care programs 1.

Training Components

The fellowship emphasizes a robust hands-on experience, with twelve months dedicated primarily to intensive training in the catheterization lab. During this period, fellows will engage in numerous activities that enhance their procedural skills, particularly in coronary interventions, as well as peripheral vascular angiography, balloon valvuloplasty, and mechanical interventions for pulmonary embolism. Although achieving proficiency in structural heart procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacements or PFO closures is not a requirement, fellows will be exposed to these high-risk cases 1.

Didactic Learning

Education is an integral part of the fellowship. Daily morning conferences are scheduled, covering various topics including the Interventional Cath Conference, Combined Cath Conference with Cardiology Fellowship, Journal Club, and Grand Rounds. Each fellow is expected to present at least once during the Grand Rounds, fostering a culture of shared learning 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Fellows are required to engage in Quality Improvement (QI) projects and participate actively in clinical research initiatives. This may involve investigator-initiated projects with mentorship from faculty, collaboration on clinical trials, writing case reports, and involvement in recruiting patients for ongoing studies 1.

Application Process

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and specific documents must accompany applications, including a completed ERAS application, CV, three letters of recommendation (one from the fellowship program director), board certification in internal medicine, and, where applicable, in-training exam results. Importantly, applicants must hold US citizenship or legal residency status in the US; visas are not sponsored for this program 1.

Competitiveness and Eligibility

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at McLaren Flint is considered competitive, particularly for applicants seeking to gain training in a high-volume center with a diverse patient population. The program is generally open to U.S. graduates, including those from osteopathic backgrounds or IMG (International Medical Graduate) backgrounds with proper qualifications 1.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows at McLaren Flint receive competitive compensation and benefits, which are in line with other fellowship programs within the area. It is designed to ensure that fellows are well-supported throughout their training year 1.

Training Environment

McLaren Flint fosters a collaborative atmosphere where current fellows, as well as faculty members, engage actively in teaching and mentorship. This supportive environment enables fellows to thrive and gain the necessary skills to become proficient interventional cardiologists eligible for board certification in the specialty 1.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Graduates from the program have successfully transitioned into careers as interventional cardiologists in various prestigious institutions, indicating the program’s strong reputation and the quality of training provided. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue advanced fellowships in subspecialties or to enter clinical practice as competent cardiologists 1.