Ohio State University Hospital Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Ohio State University Hospital is designed to provide a comprehensive experience in clinical and investigative techniques in interventional cardiology. The fellowship is structured to ensure the fellows achieve competency in managing a broad spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease. Upon successful completion of this fellowship, participants will qualify for board eligibility in interventional cardiology, an important credential that will advance their careers in the field.

Clinical training takes place primarily in the advanced cardiac catheterization and interventional laboratories at the OSU Wexner Medical Center. Interventional cardiology fellows will participate in diagnosing patients, selecting appropriate therapies, performing interventional procedures, and managing ongoing treatment for both inpatient and outpatient populations. This hands-on experience is complemented by exposure to percutaneous cardiovascular interventions, advancing the fellows' ability to select suitable patients for specific interventions and involve themselves in post-procedural care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is well-rounded, integrating didactic education and clinical practice. Fellows will have access to routine lectures, case reviews, and didactic sessions led by experienced faculty members. The fellowship encourages active engagement, equipping fellows to interpret coronary angiographic images, assess hemodynamic data, and utilize intravascular imaging techniques as they expand their procedural skills. An ambulatory clinic is also available, focusing on the long-term management of patients with various cardiovascular conditions.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship. Fellows are expected to undertake a scholarly project and are encouraged to submit their work for presentation at national meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals. This fellowship benefits from the association with the Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, which enhances research productivity by investigating novel therapies aimed at improving patient outcomes in ischemic heart disease and other conditions. Such collaboration allows fellows to delve into innovative clinical trials, significantly contributing to their academic development.

Application Process

To apply for the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, applicants must fulfill specific eligibility criteria. Candidates need to be MD or DO graduates and must hold U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or J1 visa status. Applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited three-year cardiology fellowship program by the time they enter the fellowship. The application process is conducted via ERAS and requires a complete CV, personal statement, three letters of reference, USMLE score reports, and a recent photograph.

Visa Support

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship supports J1 visa sponsorship, accommodating international medical graduates who meet the program's eligibility criteria and have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited cardiology fellowship.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). While candidates are required to complete a three-year ACGME-accredited cardiology fellowship before applying, the candidacy is open to DO graduates and IMGs, promoting diversity within the fellowship cohort. Notably, applicants are discouraged from applying if they have failed any part of the USMLE more than once, emphasizing a standard of excellence in candidate qualifications.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ohio State University Hospital’s Interventional Cardiology Fellowship offers a robust training experience focused on both clinical excellence and research innovation, preparing fellows for successful careers in cardiology.