Medical University of South Carolina Program

The Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) offers a comprehensive one-year training program designed for those who have successfully completed a three-year ACGME accredited General Cardiology Fellowship. This fellowship is particularly robust due to its core focus on advanced therapies for heart failure, including cardiac transplantation and mechanical circulatory support, all delivered as part of a distinguished multi-disciplinary team.

The program's advanced heart failure team is composed of nine specialized cardiologists and four cardiac surgeons, who collectively bring extensive expertise in managing a high volume of heart transplant and left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgeries. The MUSC center stands out as the sole heart transplant facility in South Carolina, and they recorded significant increases in transplant and LVAD volumes in recent years. In the fiscal year 2020 alone, MUSC performed a total of 54 heart transplants, with an average of 35-40 durable LVAD implants annually, emphasizing a strong focus on minimally invasive strategies.

Curriculum Overview

The educational framework of the fellowship is structured to achieve distinct learning outcomes, including gaining profound knowledge and clinical care capabilities for patients suffering from advanced heart failure. Trainees are trained in the intricacies of patient evaluation across all stages of heart failure, focusing on the ACGME core competencies of patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, and systems-based practice. Further skill development includes assessing and managing immunosuppression following cardiac transplantation, both in the immediate post-operative setting and long-term chronic management.

Rotations and Conferences

Fellows participate in diverse and robust training experiences, including numerous clinical conferences aimed at knowledge enhancement and skill refinement. Some notable conferences include:

• Didactic conferences held on the first and third Friday of each month, covering topics such as hemodynamic assessment and immunosuppression management, among others.
• MCS/Transplant Patient Review and Selection Conferences every Wednesday
• Monthly Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) conferences
• Weekly Grand Rounds and Heart Biopsy/Pathology Reviews.

Additionally, fellows benefit from a three-week vacation during the designated research time, ensuring a well-rounded training schedule.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly productivity; therefore, fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects that contribute to the understanding and treatment of cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and associated conditions. This focus supports the fellows’ eligibility to meet United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) certification requirements and to sit for the ABIM Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology subspecialty board examination upon training completion.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The fellowship program utilizes the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) for managing applications. Prospective fellows need to demonstrate successful completion of the USMLE Step 3 exam (or the COMLEX equivalent) prior to entering the program, which adds a level of required academic preparedness. Furthermore, each candidate is evaluated based on clinical experience, academic records, letters of recommendation (three are required), personal statements, and performance in interviews. With this rigorous selection process in mind, the fellowship maintains a level of competitiveness, welcoming applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and those on J1 visas.

Living in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, contributes to the overall experience of the fellowship through its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty, including world-class dining and beautiful beaches. This setting not only provides a delightful environment for residents but also enhances the training experience with opportunities for community engagement and relaxation.