Orlando Health Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (OHORMC) is a one-year ACGME approved program aimed at preparing trainees for a successful career in both clinical and academic medicine. This esteemed program is conducted in a 808-bed facility that is recognized among the top medical centers in the nation, providing a comprehensive environment for advanced interventional training in cardiovascular health.

The center is equipped with seven modern cardiac catheterization laboratories, including state-of-the-art hybrid suites capable of performing advanced surgical interventions, thus totaling an impressive volume of approximately 1000 coronary interventions, over 300 vascular procedures, and more than 300 structural heart cases annually. The program focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to various heart conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart valve diseases, congenital heart diseases, and peripheral artery disease, thereby ensuring that fellows are well-versed in a broad range of interventional cardiology practices 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is meticulously designed to provide extensive hands-on experience. The fellows spend four and a half days per week in the cardiovascular laboratories, gaining practical exposure to both diagnostic and interventional procedures under direct supervision. The primary goal of the curriculum is to ensure fellows master coronary interventions, with opportunities to later engage in peripheral vascular and structural heart cases. Each fellow is expected to perform between 300 and 350 coronary interventions throughout the fellowship 4.

Moreover, the fellows spend time in outpatient clinic settings to assess patients pre- and post-procedure, which enhances their clinical acumen within a structured yet dynamic learning environment. Regular conferences, weekly didactic lectures, and interdisciplinary rounds are integrated into the fellows’ schedules to enhance both clinical knowledge and collaborative practice 4.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to participate in clinical trials and engage in outcomes-based research initiatives. Opportunities for publication and presentation at national and international conferences are readily available, thus promoting professional development and academic growth within the field 4.

Application Requirements

Applicants wishing to join the program must have completed an ACGME-accredited cardiovascular disease training program or an equivalent fellowship, demonstrating proficiency in diagnostic cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography. The application process requires the completion of the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), alongside submission of a personal statement, curriculum vitae, medical school diploma, letters of recommendation, and proof of completion and passing scores for all three USMLE steps 2.

Moreover, the program accepts ECFMG certification where applicable, and requires candidates to be board certified or board eligible by the ABIM 2.

Salary and Benefits

The financial compensation for fellows in this program begins at PGY-7 level with a salary of $74,200. The fellowship also offers several additional benefits including a bi-weekly food stipend, a fully stocked physician’s lounge, retirement matching, and comprehensive health insurance options. Furthermore, fellows are granted three weeks of vacation and have support for travel related to research conferences, making the program financially accommodating for successful applicants 5.

Visa Support

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Orlando Health provides visa sponsorship support for international medical graduates. Typically, the program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating the application process for candidates from diverse backgrounds 1.

Competitiveness

This fellowship program is known to be highly competitive, attracting applicants from a diverse range of medical backgrounds including international medical graduates (IMGs) and doctors of osteopathy (DOs). The comprehensive nature and the quality of training provided at Orlando Health are significant draw factors for potential applicants. Maintaining a strong academic record and fulfilling all specified requirements are crucial for success in the application process 2.