MercyOne Des Moines/PHC Consortium Program

The MercyOne Des Moines/PHC Consortium Program in Cardiovascular Disease offers a comprehensive fellowship training designed to cultivate highly competent clinical cardiovascular specialists. The program is built on a legacy of cardiovascular excellence provided by the Iowa Heart Center, which has been operational since 1970 and has evolved into a large group of over 30 cardiologists in the Des Moines area. The program received ACGME accreditation in 2018, underscoring its commitment to high standards in medical education.

The fellowship program emphasizes a robust curriculum featuring a diverse range of cardiovascular diseases and a high volume of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Fellows receive extensive training in areas such as echocardiography (both transthoracic and transesophageal), stress testing, cardiac MR, nuclear imaging, cardiac CT, temporary and permanent pacing, and advanced heart failure management. The program also covers critical care cardiology and allows fellows to gain hands-on experience in interventional procedures including TAVR, TMVR, and LVAD placements. This comprehensive exposure prepares fellows for the multifaceted demands of a career in cardiovascular medicine 1.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship spans three years and uses a block rotation system organized into thirteen 4-week rotations across major training sites: MercyOne Des Moines and MercyOne West Des Moines. The first year emphasizes foundational knowledge and includes a mix of inpatient general cardiology, echocardiography, catheterization, electrophysiology, and nuclear medicine 3. Subsequent years allow for more specialization and scholarly work, with a requirement to submit at least one research manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal.

Alongside the clinical rotations, the program incorporates a robust didactic component, featuring core lectures, journal clubs, and multidisciplinary grand rounds. This didactic framework supports the clinical training fellows receive and enhances their educational experience 2.

Faculty and Mentorship

The Cardiology Fellowship benefits from an esteemed faculty based at the Iowa Heart Center, recognized as a premier institution for cardiovascular care. The program faculty comprises specialists in various fields, including cardiac electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, and advanced heart failure management. The program emphasizes mentoring, allowing fellows to engage closely with faculty both in inpatient settings and during outpatient clinics, fostering an environment for knowledge exchange and professional development 2.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Fellows are expected to engage actively in research throughout their training. The program encourages participation in clinical research, quality improvement projects, and case report submissions. Allocated elective time in the curriculum allows for significant involvement in scholarly activities to enhance their competencies in research methodology and clinical practice 3.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The fellowship program typically accepts three fellows per year. While competitive, the program is noted to be friendly to both DO and IMG candidates. All applications are processed through ERAS, and the submission of a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and CV is required. Candidates should be aware that the program currently only sponsors J-1 visas and does not support H-1B visas for international applicants 4. Although there are no explicit stated limits regarding the year of graduation or prior STEP exam failures, applicants are generally expected to meet high standards reflective of the program's competitive nature.

Unique Aspects of the Program

With its strong emphasis on both procedure-based and clinical cardiology, the MercyOne Des Moines Cardiology Fellowship stands out in its commitment to training fellows not just in technical skills, but also in developing a profound understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology and patient care. The organization of the curriculum allows for flexibility and tailored learning opportunities through electives, ensuring that fellows can pursue interests that best align with their career goals in cardiology 1.