Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program
Location:
Hershey, PASpecialty:
Interventional cardiologyACGME Code:
1524123058Interventional 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.
1Curriculum 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.
1Procedural 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.
1Application 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.
1Support 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.
1Visa 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.
1Competitiveness 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.
1Website
Director
Chad Zack, MDAssistant Professor of Medicine Appointed Since January 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
70hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,488First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Hershey, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Hershey, PA
Hershey, PA is a charming town known for its chocolate production. Here are some aspects of living in Hershey:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Hershey is generally considered a safe town with a lower crime rate compared to larger cities.
- Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy attractions like Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World, and various events hosted by the Hershey Entertainment Complex.
- Climate: Hershey experiences all four seasons with warm summers and cold winters.
- Races and Population: The population of Hershey is diverse, with a mix of various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Hershey is home to the Milton Hershey School and several public schools known for their quality education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Hershey is generally higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania, is about 15 miles away from Hershey and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by car. Harrisburg offers more city amenities and cultural attractions.
Pros: Charming town with a strong sense of community, abundance of family-friendly activities, and proximity to larger cities.
Cons: Higher cost of living, limited nightlife options compared to big cities.
Interview Questions
