Rhode Island Hospital/Brown University Health Program

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University is a comprehensive two-year ACGME-accredited program designed for advanced training in electrophysiology. As the sole tertiary care center in Rhode Island, Rhode Island Hospital performs a high volume of electrophysiology (EP) procedures, providing fellows with extensive exposure to diverse cardiac pathologies and advanced EP technologies.

Program Overview

The fellowship is created to allow fellows to develop their clinical and technical skills while engaging in a rigorous educational experience. The teaching philosophy of the program emphasizes hands-on participation in both outpatient and inpatient settings. The fellowship seeks to advance the fellows' competencies in diagnostic and therapeutic EP procedures, ranging from the common to the complex.

Training Sites

The electrophysiology fellowship program encompasses training at two primary campuses: Rhode Island Hospital and the Miriam Hospital. Rhode Island Hospital is equipped with three dedicated electrophysiology labs, including advanced facilities with biplane fluoroscopy and cutting-edge mapping systems. Additionally, the Miriam Hospital features a dedicated lab for ablations and device implantations, allowing comprehensive training across multiple environments.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is designed to equip fellows with the skills necessary to excel in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. During the first year of training, fellows are expected to achieve competency in common procedures and engage in a variety of advanced techniques, including:

• Leadless pacemaker implantation
• His-bundle pacing and left bundle pacing
• Left atrial appendage occlusion device implantation
• Epicardial access and ablation
• Lead extraction procedures

Fellows will rotate through various components of both inpatient and outpatient care, gaining experience in the EP clinic, consultations, and direct involvement in the procedure rooms.

Educational activities include weekly case presentations, morbidity and mortality discussions, journal club participation, EKG conferences, and board review sessions. Opportunities for research are integrated into the program, including presentations at national meetings and the chance to publish scholarly work.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to participate in research presentations and publications related to electrophysiology. Fellows are urged to engage in ongoing research projects during their training, allowing them to contribute to advancements in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.

Competitiveness and Application Information

The fellowship is known for being highly competitive, and applicants are typically selected from well-qualified candidates who have completed a residency in internal medicine or cardiology. The program welcomes applications from both MDs and DOs, as well as international medical graduates holding ECFMG certification.

Eligible candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the USMLE Steps 1 and 2. The program does not impose strict limits on failed attempts at USMLE but encourages a strong overall application. Fellowship applicants are advised to prepare for a rigorous selection process, including interviews and a review of their clinical experiences.

The program also offers visa support, primarily sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international applicants, ensuring that qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to train.

Diversity and Inclusion

The fellowship program promotes a culture of inclusivity and diversity, reflecting the population served in Rhode Island. The faculty undergoes training and programming designed to address implicit biases and foster a supportive training environment for all fellows.

Benefits and Salary

Fellows receive a competitive salary commensurate with their level of training, along with benefits including health, dental, and life insurance, as well as an allowance for continuing medical education expenses. Additionally, fellows are provided with time to pursue research and presentations at national conferences.