Medical College of Georgia Program

The Medical College of Georgia offers a 2-year accredited Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to become certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in the subspecialty of electrophysiology. This fellowship requires the completion of a three-year preceding fellowship in general adult cardiology.

The program focuses on key areas such as cardiac rhythm device implantation, management, laser lead extractions, and both simple and complex catheter ablation techniques for various arrhythmias. Fellows will have access to advanced ablation technologies, including Stereotaxis and Cryoballoon ablation, supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising advanced practice providers and clinical nurses.

The fellowship involves close collaboration with pediatric cardiology in managing congenital heart diseases, and it also works in tandem with cardiothoracic surgery for hybrid radiofrequency ablation procedures. Additionally, fellows will engage in clinical, translational, and health outcomes research projects, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Application Process

Only one slot is available annually for this 2-year fellowship program. To apply, candidates must have successfully completed a three-year Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship. Applications are processed exclusively via the ERAS system, with the application portal opening in July of each year.

Applicants are required to submit the following documents through ERAS: an ERAS application, three letters of recommendation (with one ideally from the program director), a personal statement, medical school transcript, Medical Student Performance Evaluation or Dean's Letter, a color photograph, an ECFMG status report for international medical graduates, and a USMLE transcript transmitted by the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Training Sites

The primary training facility for the fellowship is Augusta University Health Cardiovascular Center. Fellows will gain experience across various patient care settings under the direct supervision of experienced attending physicians.

Key rotations include:

• A cutting-edge electrophysiology laboratory
• A special-device implant procedure lab
• A device follow-up clinic
• Electrophysiology consultation service encompassing inpatient and outpatient services including coronary care, cardiovascular surgical intensive care, medical intensive care, and medical telemetry.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, as applicable, to facilitate entry into the United States for training purposes.

Competitiveness

This fellowship program is considered highly competitive, attracting candidates with robust training in cardiovascular diseases. The program is committed to inclusivity and is open to graduates from both MD and DO programs, as well as international medical graduates.

Special Application Requirements

In addition to completing a prior Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, applicants must adhere to specific requirements regarding years of graduation and exam performance. Generally, applicants should not have significant gaps in training and need to have passed all relevant STEP exams without any maximum fails.