Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health) Program

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology program at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) offers advanced training and experience in the management of complex arrhythmias and device therapy. This program is designed for individuals who have completed a residency in Cardiovascular Disease and wish to further their expertise in electrophysiology.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum incorporates both didactic and practical training in various aspects of cardiac electrophysiology. The initial phase emphasizes fundamental electrophysiological concepts, diagnostic techniques, and the management of patients with arrhythmias. The program also covers advanced topics such as catheter ablation, device implantation, and troubleshooting devices.

Didactic sessions are complemented by hands-on training in the electrophysiology laboratory, where fellows gain proficiency in procedure setups and patient management during electrophysiological studies.

Rotations

The program includes multiple rotations, allowing residents to gain experience in a variety of clinical settings. These may include:

• Electrophysiology Lab Rotations
• Inpatient Cardiology Consultations
• Outpatient Electrophysiology Clinics
• Advanced Imaging Techniques (e.g. echocardiogram, MRI)
• Interdisciplinary case discussions with cardiologists and other specialists

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to engage in innovative projects within the realm of cardiac electrophysiology. Opportunities may include:

• Participation in clinical trials related to new devices or therapies for arrhythmias.
• Basic science research aimed at understanding the underlying mechanisms of arrhythmias.
• Collaborative projects with other departments, providing interdisciplinary insights into heart disease.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology program is OHSU Hospital, which is well-equipped with advanced technologies and a diverse patient population, giving fellows extensive practical experience. Other affiliated sites may be utilized to broaden the scope of training.

Visa Support

The program offers comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates, including sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This facilitates the participation of qualified candidates from around the globe, enriching the training environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

OHSU's Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology program is known for being highly competitive. It welcomes applications from both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants typically need to have completed an ACGME-accredited Cardiovascular Disease fellowship. Criteria for selection may include:

• Completion of residency within a specified time frame - recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Maximum allowed failures on STEP exams might be specified; typically, one failure is considered acceptable.
• Strong recommendations from reputable cardiologists.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This program is distinguished not only by its robust clinical training but also by its commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment. Participants have access to expert faculty who are dedicated to mentoring and enhancing fellows' skills throughout the training timeline. Additionally, the program supports fellows in presenting their research at national conferences and actively participating in the academic community.