Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a specialized two-year program designed for advanced training in the management of heart rhythm disorders. As an ACGME-accredited program, it admits one fellow each year and emphasizes a comprehensive learning experience that prepares fellows for board certification in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology.

Program Structure

The curriculum is meticulously designed to fulfill Level 3 COCATS training, ensuring that fellows attain self-sufficiency in clinical electrophysiology, ablation, and device implantation as well as follow-up. Clinical exposure includes managing diverse arrhythmia cases, including postoperative complications and conditions arising in patients with heart failure or congenital heart anomalies. Trainees also receive dedicated time to engage in both clinical and basic research, with an emphasis on clinical trials that evaluate investigational antiarrhythmic medications and implantable devices.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship program must meet specific eligibility criteria. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or J-1 visa holders; no additional visa types are funded by the program. Additionally, applicants should be board-eligible or certified in internal medicine and eligible for a Pennsylvania medical training license. The fellowship requires the submission of several supporting documents through ERAS, including a personal statement, a curriculum vitae, a USMLE or COMLEX transcript, and a minimum of 3-4 letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the current program director.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship strongly advocates for academic inquiry. Fellows are expected to identify a research mentor early in their training to guide them through the research process, from formulation to presentation at an EP research conference. Projects can focus on numerous aspects of electrophysiology, with pathways opened up to participate in ongoing multicenter trials.

Rotation Structure

The fellowship includes several critical rotations, such as:

• EP Lab: Fellows learn to perform electrophysiologic studies, ablations, and device implants, gradually gaining independence as their skills develop.
• Outpatient Continuity Clinic: A strong focus is placed on the outpatient management of patients undergoing therapies for arrhythmias. Fellows manage follow-up care, adjust antiarrhythmic therapies, and oversee device monitoring.
• Device Clinic: This portion emphasizes competency in managing and troubleshooting implantable devices like pacemakers and ICDs.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds, including U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates. The program provides an inclusive environment, nurturing fellows from various origins, including DOs and IMGs.

Visa Support

Visa sponsorship is available exclusively for J-1 visa holders. The program does not sponsor additional visa types, underscoring the need for prospective fellows to secure the appropriate immigration status prior to their application.

Wellness and Support

Recognizing the demanding nature of training, Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health emphasize the importance of wellness. Numerous resources are available to support fellows’ emotional, spiritual, and physical health, promoting a balanced life during residency training.

Fellows also benefit from a supportive learning environment, with institutional programs aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion, ensuring all trainees feel welcomed and valued.

Evaluation and Feedback

The fellows receive continual feedback through structured evaluations every four months. This process encourages growth and aligns with the ACGME core competencies, aiding fellows in navigating their educational journey successfully.