National Capital Consortium Program

Program Overview

The National Capital Consortium Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program is located in Bethesda, MD, at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. It offers a robust three-year training opportunity for graduates of an internal medicine residency, focusing on preparing fellows for a diverse range of clinical environments, including military and civilian settings. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). With a complement of twelve fellows, the training emphasizes clinical excellence and independence in practice.

Mission, Vision, and Aims

The mission of the program is to train excellent independent cardiologists who deliver high-quality, patient-centered care within the military healthcare system. The vision includes aspirations for the Military Health System to lead in cardiovascular care and management. The program's aims solidify its dedication to producing cardiologists who possess the knowledge and skill set essential for managing the full spectrum of cardiovascular diseases across various patient demographics, including active-duty service members and their families.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum provides an extensive framework for learning, featuring multiple weekly academic conferences. Key components include:

• Clinical Conferences: Each week features conferences to review clinical imaging, discuss management for complex cases, and engage in academic learning.
• Call Schedule: Fellows on call have structured overnight responsibilities with support from senior fellows and attending physicians, ensuring quality supervision.
• MEGA Clinic: A clinic dedicated to providing rapid evaluations for low-acuity consults, primarily serving active-duty service members, further enhancing clinical efficiency and patient care.

The program uniquely integrates simulation training, offering opportunities to practice critical cardiology procedures and decision-making in a controlled setting.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Scholarly activity is a critical component of the fellowship, mandating fellows to engage in research, presentations, and publications. Each fellow is expected to contribute research to regional or national meetings and seek publication opportunities throughout their training. The program creates a collaborative environment for fellows to pursue quality improvement projects and to participate in patient safety events.

Training Sites and Collaborations

Training occurs in diverse settings, including the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and affiliations with prominent institutions like Washington Adventist Hospital and Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. The partnerships offer varied clinical exposure and opportunities to work alongside experts in multiple cardiovascular subspecialties.

Application and Competitiveness

The program is known for its competitive nature. While it is primarily designed for candidates from the National Capital Consortium Internal Medicine Residency, rotations may be available for Internal Medicine Residents from other programs on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are typically offered the option for virtual or in-person interviews, facilitating accessibility.

Special Application Requirements

While specific year of graduation or maximum failed STEP exam details may not be explicitly stated, it is crucial for applicants to present a solid academic foundation and demonstrate competency in prior training.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates looking for opportunities within the U.S. military system. The most common visa type sponsored is the J-1 visa, which is typically utilized for fellowship training. The specifics regarding visa sponsorship should be discussed directly with the program.

Teaching and Mentorship Opportunities

Fellows will partake in teaching roles, delivering didactic sessions and supervising medical students and residents. The program prides itself on providing faculty appointments for fellows aiming to enhance their teaching and leadership skills.

Well-Being and Support

The program acknowledges the importance of well-being among its fellows. With an open-door policy from leadership and an annual retreat dedicated to addressing feedback and implementing improvements, the program prioritizes the mental and emotional health of its trainees.