Northeast Georgia Medical Center Program
Location:
Gainesville, GASpecialty:
Cardiovascular diseaseACGME Code:
1411214001The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Georgia Heart Institute, formerly The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC), is a comprehensive three-year ACGME-accredited program located in Gainesville, Georgia. The fellowship offers six positions per year, designed for physicians seeking to develop specialized skills in cardiovascular medicine. This fellowship program emphasizes clinical activities, with a structured clinical training period of at least 24 months, adhering closely to the American College of Cardiology Core Cardiology Training Statement (COCATS4) to ensure fellows are well-prepared for independent practice.
During the fellowship, fellows are exposed to a variety of cardiovascular disorders, enhancing their capability to engage in culturally competent independent clinical practice utilizing evidence-based methods for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Direct supervision by faculty during clinical rotations is a hallmark of the program, allowing fellows to progressively gain autonomy tailored to their training level and clinical situation while receiving consistent performance evaluations and feedback.
Curriculum Overview
The fellowship program incorporates a detailed curriculum designed to enhance clinical skills and promote career development. The curriculum consists of a block schedule comprising required and elective rotations, alongside supplemental educational activities such as lectures, journal clubs, and research presentations. As fellows advance through their training, they gain increased responsibilities in clinical and patient management processes. The faculty provides graded supervision, fostering an environment conducive to developing leadership skills through the supervision of residents and advanced practice providers.
Key rotations in the curriculum include:
- Three blocks of Cardiac Consults
- One block of Cardiology Critical Care
- Two blocks of Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory
- Two blocks of Echocardiography
- One block of Nuclear Cardiology
- One block of Electrophysiology Inpatient and Consults
- One block of Heart Failure
- One block of Vascular Medicine
This structured experience prepares fellows for diverse aspects of cardiovascular care, fundamentally aligned with current best practices and the evolving landscape of cardiology.
Research Opportunities
A significant aspect of the fellowship is the emphasis on research and scholarly activity. Fellows collaborate with the Georgia Heart Institute to engage in pertinent studies and clinical trials, evaluating novel therapies and advanced techniques. This collaboration enables fellows to contribute actively to the international cardiology community, enhancing their clinical acumen and research capabilities.
Training Sites
The Georgia Heart Institute operates multiple locations across Northeast Georgia, including the primary facility in Gainesville and the Braselton site, providing comprehensive cardiovascular services. These state-of-the-art facilities support advanced diagnostic testing, interventional cardiology, and electrophysiology procedures, ensuring that fellows receive hands-on training in cutting-edge environments.
Competitiveness and Application
The fellowship is considered highly competitive, seeking applicants who demonstrate strong clinical skills and commitment to the field of cardiology. The program is open to both MD and DO graduates, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), fostering a diverse applicant pool. Specific application requirements include a preference for recent graduates, although all candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of when they completed their previous training.
The program supports visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, primarily providing J-1 and H-1B visa options, facilitating the recruitment of international medical graduates who seek to gain valuable fellowship experience in the United States.
Mission and Goals
The overarching mission of the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program at NGMC is to cultivate competent, compassionate cardiologists capable of excelling in various practice settings. The program aligns with NGMC's mission to enhance community health, ensuring that fellows receive robust training centered on quality, safety, and patient-centered care. The educational framework is designed to encompass the six core competencies mandated by the ACGME, enabling fellows to thrive both during and after their training.
In summary, the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at the Georgia Heart Institute provides a nurturing environment where aspiring cardiologists gain essential skills, engage in research, and prepare for a successful career in cardiovascular medicine.
Website
- 1 .Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship | NGMC GME
- 2 .Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship | Curriculum | NGMC GME
- 3 .Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship | Faculty | NGMC GME
- 4 .Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship | Mission & Goals | NGMC GME
- 5 .Cardiovascular Disease Locations - NGMC GME
- 6 .Meet Our Cardiovascular Disease Fellows | NGMC GME
Director
Ugochukwu O Egolum, MDProgram Director, Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Appointed Since July 2021 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
$72,342First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Gainesville, GA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Gainesville, GA
- Safety: Gainesville has a relatively low crime rate, making it a safe place to live.
- Fun Activities: Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating on Lake Lanier. Explore the Northeast Georgia Mountains, visit local wineries, and attend cultural events at the Brenau Downtown Center.
- Climate: Expect hot summers with temperatures in the 80s and 90s, and mild winters with occasional snow. Spring and fall are pleasant.
- Races and Population: Gainesville has a diverse population with a mix of White, Hispanic, Black or African American, and Asian residents.
- Education: Gainesville is home to the University of North Georgia and several public schools, providing educational opportunities.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Gainesville is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
- Nearby Cities: Atlanta is approximately 50 miles away from Gainesville, which can be reached in about an hour by car. Atlanta offers a bustling city life with various cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Pros: Safe environment, outdoor recreational opportunities, lower cost of living.
- Cons: Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.