Medical College of Georgia Program

Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Overview

The Interventional Cardiology fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia is a one-year training opportunity designed for physicians aiming to become certified primary operators in Invasive and Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine. This fellowship complies with the standards established by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and successful trainees will achieve board eligibility for the Interventional Cardiology Board administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine 1.

Program Goals

The main goal of the training program is to deliver comprehensive subspecialty training in invasive and interventional cardiology. This is specifically tailored for physicians who have completed a residency in Internal Medicine, along with a categorical fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease Medicine. The program is continually evolving to keep pace with advancements in the field of interventional cardiology 1.

Training Environment

Trainees engage actively in clinical research within the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and collaborate with the Division of Cardiac Surgery. This multi-disciplinary approach enriches the fellow's educational experience while fostering a deeper understanding of cardiology as a whole 1.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program offers a variety of basic and clinical research experiences. Each fellow is expected to participate in research projects that develop their skills in experimental or clinical study design. They will gain expertise in research techniques, data acquisition, and analysis, presenting their findings effectively. The program emphasizes the importance of research in advancing the field and encourages fellows to bring their projects to fruition 1.

Clinical Skills Development

Throughout the fellowship, fellows will learn to independently perform various interventional procedures, including:

• Balloon angioplasty
• Coronary stenting
• Cutting balloon angioplasty
• Directional atherectomy
• Rotational atherectomy
• Intravascular ultrasound
• Intra-aortic balloon pump insertion, operation, and troubleshooting
• Impella device management
• Tandem heart insertion and management
• ECMO initiation and management
• Trans-radial and trans-brachial access for coronary angiography and intervention
• Intracoronary Doppler flow analysis
• Fractional flow reserve determination

Fellows will also gain experience in the medical and interventional management of valvular heart diseases such as aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation. Opportunities to participate in transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedures will be available as well 1.

Program Structure and Slots

The program offers a single slot annually for the one-year fellowship. This competitive nature requires all applicants to have completed a three-year Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program prior to starting in the Interventional Cardiology fellowship 1.

Application Process

Applications are accepted exclusively through the ERAS system. The application period opens in December of each year. Applicants must submit the following documents via ERAS:

• ERAS Application
• Three Letters of Recommendation (one recommended from the program director)
• Personal Statement
• Medical School Transcript
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation / Dean's Letter
• Color Photograph
• ECFMG Status Report (for International Medical Graduates only)
• USMLE Transcript - Transmitted by the NBME

This structured application process ensures that only the most qualified candidates are selected for this competitive fellowship 1.