Residency Advisor

Overview of the Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

The Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship program at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a highly specialized three-year training program designed for physicians who are committed to advancing their knowledge and clinical expertise in pediatric cardiology. The program is accredited by the ACGME and is well-known for its comprehensive curriculum that integrates clinical training with educational opportunities in research and advocacy.

Penn State Children’s Hospital, as the only children's hospital in the region, offers a rich diversity of patients with various cardiac conditions, ensuring that fellows encounter a wide range of clinical experiences during their training. This distinctive training environment combines individualized learning with significant hands-on experience in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is designed to meet the ACGME requirements while promoting the professional growth of each fellow. It features extensive inpatient and outpatient rotations, involving pediatric cardiology and related subspecialties. Key components of the curriculum include:

  • Clinical Rotations: Fellows engage in rotations that encompass inpatient care, outpatient clinic visits, consultation services, and procedural training. Rotations typically include pediatric cardiac intensive care, echocardiography, electrophysiology, and interventional cardiology.
  • Elective Opportunities: Fellows can design a portion of their training through elective rotations focused on special interests, including adult congenital heart disease or research projects in pediatric cardiology.
  • Didactic Sessions: Regular conferences, journal clubs, and case discussions facilitate ongoing learning and foster an environment of scholarly activity..

Research Opportunities

Research plays a vital role in the fellowship experience, encouraging fellows to actively participate in innovative studies and quality improvement initiatives. The program emphasizes collaboration with experienced researchers and provides access to ongoing clinical trials and basic research projects. Each fellow is supported in developing their own research projects, potentially leading to presentations at national conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Several aspects set this program apart from others:

  • Patient Diversity: The program treats a diverse patient population, which allows fellows to gain exposure to a broad spectrum of congenital and acquired heart diseases.
  • Mentorship and Support: Each fellow is paired with faculty mentors who provide guidance throughout the training process, fostering professional development and personal growth.
  • Involvement in Advocacy: The program encourages fellows to engage in advocacy efforts, which enhance their understanding of healthcare disparities and improve care for underserved populations.

Training Sites

The primary training site is the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, which is equipped with advanced facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cardiac issues. The hospital's services include a dedicated cardiac catheterization lab and a state-of-the-art echocardiography lab that are fundamental to the fellows' training.

Visa Support

The fellowship program exclusively sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates. The program highly values ECFMG-certified graduates who have had recent experience in the U.S. healthcare system.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission into the Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship program is highly competitive. Key application requirements include:

  • ACGME-accredited residency in Pediatrics or related fields.
  • A personal statement detailing career goals and interests in pediatric cardiology.
  • Three letters of recommendation from professionals familiar with the applicant's clinical skills.
  • Current or recent clinical experience in a U.S. healthcare environment is strongly preferred.

The program does not impose any strict limits on the number of failed STEP exam attempts, but a strong performance is expected to remain competitive.

Wellness and Support Initiatives

Recognizing the challenges inherent in medical training, the fellowship program incorporates wellness and support initiatives to promote mental and emotional well-being among fellows. Activities include wellness seminars, group discussions, and access to mental health resources to ensure a supportive training experience.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

1, 1, 1 (3 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since July 2008

Composition

-

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

50hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

24hrs

First Year Salary:

$72,324

First Year Paid Vacation:

-

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

-

Training

Fellowship Rate:

-

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

4.3X

Residents career path:

-

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

-

Visa Sponsorship:

-

YOG Cutoff:

-

Location

Hershey, PA

Population
13,858
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
46

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.

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