MedStar Health Georgetown University Program
Location:
Washington, DCSpecialty:
Advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologyACGME Code:
1591014001The Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship program offered through MedStar Health and Georgetown University provides an extensive and well-rounded educational experience in the field of advanced heart failure. The fellowship is based at the MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, which is located on the campus of MedStar Washington Hospital Center. This one-year program is ACGME accredited and has been in good standing since its inception.
The program accepts two fellows each year, ensuring a balanced approach between high-quality clinical exposure and a low faculty-to-fellow ratio. This structure promotes an optimal learning environment and allows fellows to gain comprehensive training across various facets of advanced heart failure.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum qualifies trainees to sit for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) subspecialty certification in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology. The fellowship consists of various components laid out over a 12-month period.
Inpatient Service
The inpatient service lasts for six months and is supported by an experienced team of Advanced Heart Failure Attending Physicians. The service comprises specialized teams focusing on transplant patients, LVAD patients, and consults. Fellows are involved in managing a significant patient load, averaging around 60 patients daily in the Advanced Heart Failure Intermediate Care (IMC) unit.
Outpatient Clinics
In the subsequent four months, fellows transition to outpatient clinics, where they encounter a diverse patient demographic. Each fellow will experience various clinics, including the Advanced Heart Failure Clinic, Heart Transplant Clinic, and others, cumulatively managing around 10,000 patient visits annually.
Research
A month is dedicated to research, encompassing both protected time and an additional rotation solely for research projects. This promotes engagement in scholarly activity, which is supported by the faculty within the MedStar Cardiovascular Research Network.
Electives
Fellows are encouraged to explore elective months in subspecialties such as Pulmonary Hypertension, Infiltrative Cardiomyopathy, and more. This flexibility allows fellows to align their training with their interests.
Research Opportunities
Fellows are expected to conduct research throughout their fellowship. There is protected time allocated within each clinical rotation to support ongoing investigations, and fellows are responsible for finding mentors to guide their research efforts. Educational objectives include mastering proposal development, data analysis, and peer-reviewed publication submission.
Visa Support
The program supports visas necessary for international candidates and sponsors only J visas. This aspect is particularly important for international medical graduates who need sponsorship to undertake training in the U.S.
Competitiveness and Applicant Requirements
The fellowship program is competitive, aimed primarily at candidates who have completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease in the U.S. or Canada. Applicants must be board eligible or board certified in cardiovascular disease to be considered.
Faculty Support
Education is enriched through the dedicated support of experienced faculty who are experts in Advanced Heart Failure, ensuring a robust learning experience for fellows. Mentorship plays a critical role in guiding fellows through their personal and professional objectives during this intensive year of training.
Application Process
Interested applicants are encouraged to check specific application timelines. The program only accepts applications via ERAS, enabling a structured and thorough process for candidates. The selection criteria are stringent, which aligns with the program's commitment to high-quality training in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology.
Website
Director
Mark R Hofmeyer, MD, MSProgram Director/Faculty Cardiologist Appointed Since July 2016Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$88,000First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Washington, DC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Washington, DC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Washington, DC has a mix of neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Washington, DC is rich in culture and history. Residents can enjoy visiting museums, exploring national monuments, attending events on the National Mall, and trying different cuisines in the city's diverse restaurants.
- Climate: Washington, DC experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: Washington, DC is a diverse city with a significant African American population. Residents can find communities representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Washington, DC is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research. Residents can access a range of educational resources and cultural institutions.
- Cost of Living: Washington, DC has a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Rent and property prices can be expensive, but residents may find varying costs in different neighborhoods.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baltimore is approximately 45 miles away from Washington, DC, while Philadelphia is around 140 miles away. These cities offer their own unique attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
- Pros and Cons: Pros of living in Washington, DC include access to national landmarks, cultural events, and diverse communities. However, cons may include the higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns in certain areas.
Interview Questions
