Rush University Medical Center Program

The Rush University Medical Center Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is a comprehensive three-year program dedicated to developing proficient cardiologists equipped for successful academic or clinical careers. The program’s structure is carefully designed to ensure fellows receive a robust education in all areas of cardiovascular medicine, underscored by a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are paramount to the mission at Rush.

The program spans three major training sites: Rush University Medical Center, Rush Oak Park Hospital, and John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. This diversity of settings allows fellows to manage a wide array of both acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, harnessing the strengths of urban medicine and community care.

Curriculum

Fellows engage in various clinical, laboratory, elective, and research rotations that cover core and advanced cardiology curricula. Advanced rotations can be tailored based on individual interests, especially during the second and third years when fellows begin focused career planning. Training in advanced mechanical circulatory support devices, heart failure management, and electrophysiology is emphasized through dedicated experiences in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) and related services.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship includes 2-3 months of core cardiology service where fellows oversee comprehensive patient management across different care phases. Additionally, rotations in the cardiac catheterization lab enhance fellows' experience in diagnostic and interventional procedures, including percutaneous coronary interventions and advanced imaging modalities such as echocardiography and cardiac CT scans.

Specific rotations include time on the Advanced Heart Failure service, Electrophysiology consults, and participation in the Combined CVD/EP "2+2" Pathway for those interested in pursuing both fellowships.

Research and Educational Opportunities

The fellowship includes structured educational activities such as daily conferences, collaborative meetings across specialties, and opportunities to engage in research across diverse cardiology subspecialties. Fellows are supported with $2,000 annually for conference attendance to foster ongoing learning and engagement with the cardiology academic community.

Diversity and Inclusion

Rush takes pride in fostering an environment that prioritizes diversity and inclusion, recognized by receiving the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. The program seeks out candidates from a variety of backgrounds to enrich the fellowship cohort.

Wellness and Support

The wellness of fellows is a focal point at Rush, with a structured schedule promoting work-life balance. The program provides various resources, including a quarterly meal stipend and annual reimbursement for educational expenses. A unique night float system minimizes weekend calls and ensures fellows have adequate recovery time.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates and is known to be friendly toward DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). The selection process is competitive, focusing on candidates with well-rounded applications that reflect a commitment to cardiology.

Application Requirements

In addition to the standard application materials such as a CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation, candidates are expected to submit their USMLE scores along with an MSPE transcript. This program accepts seven fellows annually, fostering a close-knit educational environment.