Ramon Betances Hospital-Mayaguez Medical Center/Ponce School of Medicine Consortium Program

The Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship Program at Mayagüez Medical Center is a competitive three-year training program aimed at preparing fellows for a successful career in cardiology. Beginning on July 1, 2024, the program has received initial accreditation by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is designed to foster both clinical and research skills in its fellows.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum of the Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship Program comprises rigorous training in various cardiology-related disciplines. Fellows participate in a wide range of clinical rotations that include Consults, Non-invasive studies (such as Echocardiography, Holter, and Stress Testing), Transesophageal Echocardiography, and more specialized procedures such as Cardiac Catheterization and Interventional Procedures. The structure allows fellows to gain invaluable experience in Coronary and Surgical Intensive Care Units, Cardiac Imaging (Cardiac CT, Cardiac MRI, Nuclear Cardiology), Electrophysiology, and Outpatient Cardiology Continuity Clinic, among others 2.

Research Opportunities

A notable requirement of the program is the completion of scientific research over the three years of training. The program provides fellows with the necessary support and resources to achieve their research goals, ensuring that they are well-prepared for a career in cardiology 2.

Fellowship Benefits

The program offers a comprehensive benefits package to its fellows, ensuring that their health and educational needs are met. This includes Professional Liability Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, and Health Insurance, alongside generous vacation and parental leave policies. Fellows also have access to a 24-hour library with advanced technological resources and subscriptions to professional organizations such as the American College of Cardiology 2.

Education and Professional Development

Educational activities include a series of morning reports, core curriculum conferences, morbidity and mortality sessions, quality improvement discussions, clinical case conferences, and research conferences. These diverse educational opportunities are designed to enhance learning and facilitate professional growth among the fellows 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes a culture of wellness for both fellows and faculty, thereby ensuring a balanced approach to training. Mentorship is a critical component of the program, providing fellows with guidance and support throughout their training 2. Moreover, the majority of graduated fellows are encouraged to practice in communities that lack adequate healthcare resources, thereby contributing to public health improvement 2.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports multiple types of visa sponsorship, including J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates. This allows for a diverse applicant pool and supports the internationalization of the educational experience within the program 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Entry into the Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship Program is highly competitive. The application process typically requires that applicants have completed their Internal Medicine residency and offers a favorable environment for both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates, reflecting its DO/IMG friendly ethos 2. Special application requirements may include a maximum number of failed attempts on board exams.

The Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship Program at Mayagüez Medical Center is dedicated to providing its fellows with a rich educational experience that is both comprehensive and community-oriented. By emphasizing wellness, research, and community service, the program prepares its fellows to be leaders in the field of cardiology.