Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla offers an extensive and rigorous training program that emphasizes clinical exposure and research opportunities in cardiovascular medicine. The fellowship program is designed for physicians who desire to become leaders in the field, engaging with outstanding clinicians, clinical trialists, and basic scientists. The program is well-regarded for its focus on developing top candidates who will excel in various aspects of cardiovascular medicine.

Curriculum Overview

The program’s curriculum balances clinical practice with research, enabling fellows to gain comprehensive experience in cardiovascular disease management. The structure of the training includes extensive rotations where fellows can gain hands-on experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. Unique aspects of this fellowship include:

• An integrative cardiology track that is not available anywhere else in the United States, focusing on the whole person and all aspects of their health.
• A dedicated research track through Scripps Translational Science Institute, allowing fellows to engage in cutting-edge research and clinical trials.

Fellows participate in a variety of clinical rotations that allow them to become proficient in performing essential cardiology procedures. Thanks to a high volume of patients and a favorable fellow-to-faculty ratio, fellows are positioned to achieve the Core Cardiovascular Training Statement (COCATs) Level 2 in areas such as nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, diagnostic angiography, and more. The program also boasts approximately 2,500 coronary interventions per year and a variety of other complex procedures, demonstrating the high procedural volume available to trainees.

Research Opportunities

The Scripps fellowship offers significant research opportunities, evidenced by its National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding as part of the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) program. This provides fellows access to high-quality training in research methodologies and the ability to work alongside recognized leaders in scientific discovery. The program encourages fellows to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical and Translational Investigation during their training. Areas of research include interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, imaging, and more, capitalizing on Scripps’ status as a renowned research institution.

Clinical Exposure

With an extraordinary institutional procedural volume, fellows are guaranteed a robust clinical experience. Scripps' hospital system is recognized for its quality care in cardiology, which further contributes to an enriched learning environment. The program is lauded for its specialized clinics, progressive cardiac rehabilitation programs, and collaborations in structural heart disease.

Unique Program Features

One of the hallmark features of this fellowship program is its integrative track, which trains cardiology fellows in utilizing holistic approaches in patient care. The integrative medicine training covers various aspects of patient health, including lifestyle management, nutritional counseling, and alternative therapy integration, preparing fellows to deliver comprehensive cardiovascular care.

Application Process and Requirements

Fellowship candidates must hold an MD or DO degree, possess U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and complete a three-year ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency before entering the fellowship. The program does not accept J1 or H-1B visa applicants. Applicants must submit their information through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and provide supportive documents such as a CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. The fellowship is known to be highly competitive, selecting only four fellows from a large pool of applicants.

Visa Support

The fellowship does not currently support J1 or H-1B visa applications, emphasizing its focus on U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This can influence international applications, emphasizing the program's competitiveness.

Benefits and Compensation

Fellowship salaries for the academic year are competitive, starting from $88,544 for the PGY IV year to $100,661 by the PGY VII year. In addition to salary, comprehensive benefits including health and dental insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, professional development allowances, and paid time off are available to support fellows throughout their training.