Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Overview

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a one-year program that holds ACGME accreditation and admits one fellow annually. This program ensures that fellows receive state-of-the-art training, preparing them for a successful career in interventional cardiology.

To qualify for admission, candidates must have completed a three-year ACGME-accredited cardiovascular disease fellowship and a three-year internal medicine residency. It is expected that applicants be board-certified in internal medicine and board-eligible in cardiovascular disease by the commencement of the fellowship. The program is structured to comply with all necessary requirements for board eligibility in Interventional Cardiology and offers COCATS level 3 training.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum is specifically crafted to maximize the training experience with a focus on catheter-based interventions. Fellows are expected to perform at least 250 coronary interventions during their training year. Instruction encompasses the use of various procedures and equipment, including IVUS, Excimer laser, and intracoronary stents.

The program is designed to facilitate clinical trials investigating pharmacological therapies and new interventional devices. Fellows will work alongside five attending interventionalists, providing an enriching, hands-on training experience in both the cath lab and clinical settings.

Procedural Training

Fellows will perform a minimum of 400 interventional procedures during their year of training, acquiring extensive skills in coronary angiography and intervention. Key topics covered include:

• Pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis and treatment approaches for restenosis.
• Advanced invasive cardiac imaging techniques including ICE, OCT, and IVUS.
• Radiation safety and physics pertinent to imaging technology.
• Clinical management of complex coronary conditions and the application of innovative devices and therapies.

Clinical Research

Engagement in clinical research is a vital part of the fellowship, where fellows contribute to ongoing studies examining the efficacy of various interventions and participate in quality and safety improvement projects related to interventional cardiology.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must submit their applications exclusively through ERAS, as the program does not accept applications outside this system. The application window typically closes on July 31. Eligible candidates can include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and those with J-1 visas, as long as they meet specific documentation requirements including:

• Current ERAS application, including a personal statement and CV.
• USMLE or COMLEX transcripts.
• A minimum of 3-4 letters of recommendation, including one from the current program director.

Interview Process

Interviews are conducted virtually, and candidates receive invitations to interview on specific dates predetermined by the program. The interview process allows for a deeper insight into the fellowship culture and expectations.

Support and Resources

Penn State Health fosters a supportive environment for its fellows, emphasizing wellness and diversity throughout training. The program emphasizes emotional, social, and professional well-being, offering resources designed to promote resilience among trainees.

Visa Sponsorship

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates (IMGs). However, the program does not sponsor other types of visas, limiting eligibility primarily to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or those possessing a J-1 visa.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission to this fellowship can be classified as highly competitive, particularly due to its limited number of slots. Candidates are encouraged to maintain a strong academic and professional profile throughout their training to improve their chances of acceptance. There are specific stipulations, such as being board-eligible or certified in internal medicine, that applicants must fulfill.