Riverside Medical Center Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Riverside Medical Center is a robust training program that began in 2016, allowing one fellow to enroll each year. It adheres to all requirements set forth by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), along with the guidelines from the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (SCAI). This comprehensive alignment ensures that fellows receive high-quality training focused on meeting board eligibility for interventional cardiology.

The program provides fellows ample clinical exposure, with hands-on opportunities that include participation in pre-procedural planning, direct technical manipulation during procedures, comprehensive documentation, and post-procedure follow-up. This multidimensional approach fosters competency in performing a range of interventions, including percutaneous coronary intervention, radial artery access, intravascular ultrasound, and the use of adjunctive therapies such as atherectomy and thrombectomy.

Fellows are also exposed to peripheral angiography and interventions, congenital heart disease procedures such as ASD/PFO closure, and endovascular AAA repair, along with some structural heart intervention experiences. This wide variety prepares the fellows extensively for future success in the field.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum of the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is designed to be extensive and varied, emphasizing both clinical and hospital-based experiences. At the PGY-7 level, fellows primarily engage in a Cardiac Cath Lab Rotation, providing them with firsthand experience in a critical care setting. Weekly didactic sessions complement the clinical exposure and focus on a broad array of competencies essential for achieving proficiency in interventional cardiology.

Didactic Training

Didactic training within the program includes a diverse set of lectures and topics that fellow participants attend alongside other physicians. Key components of the didactics include a Journal Club, Case Reviews, Echo Conferences, and Cath Conferences. These sessions are vital in enhancing the fellows' knowledge and skills, allowing for interactive discussion and learning among peers.

The interventional call duties involve STEMI call every other day during the week and occasionally one to two weekends per month, ensuring that fellows gain real-world experience managing acute cases effectively.

Faculty Support

The program is led by dedicated faculty members who provide supportive supervision and integrated instruction. The faculty's commitment enhances the fellows' educational experience, enabling them to develop into competent interventional cardiologists. The collaborative environment within the program fosters professional growth, ensuring that fellows receive the best possible mentorship and training.

Application Competitiveness

The Riverside Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is competitive, with particular attention given to the candidates' previous training and experience. The program encourages applications from qualified individuals, including those who are DO graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). This inclusivity opens up opportunities for a diverse pool of applicants, enriching the fellowship environment.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa sponsorship for qualified applicants, allowing the admission of international medical graduates and those needing work authorization in the United States. The specific types of visas that Riverside can sponsor for fellowship positions include J-1 and H-1B visas, which provide the necessary legal framework for foreign nationals to undertake this training in the U.S.

Special Application Requirements

While the fellowship is open to a variety of candidates, there are specific application requirements that prospective fellows must meet. While the program does not explicitly limit applications based on the year of medical school graduation or failed STEP exams, it maintains the expectation that candidates have a solid foundational knowledge and clinical experience. It is advisable for applicants to review their qualifications before submission thoroughly.