SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Program

Program Overview

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive one-year training program designed for physicians who have already completed internal medicine and general cardiology training. This fellowship is hosted at two primary training sites: SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and the John Cochran Veterans Administration Medical Center. The program is committed to fostering a supportive environment that emphasizes both clinical experience and academic growth.

Upon completion of the fellowship, graduates will be fully prepared to undertake independent clinical practice, perform coronary and peripheral interventions, and become board-eligible for the certifying examination from the American Board of Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology.

Curriculum and Structure

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship spans one year, during which fellows engage actively in patient care and procedural practice. Fellows participate in a high volume of clinical procedures, performing over 350 coronary interventions annually. These procedures encompass a range of cases including acute myocardial infarctions, management of cardiogenic shock, and complex coronary interventions utilizing advanced techniques.

In addition to coronary procedures, fellows also engage in over 100 peripheral interventions, covering various vascular regions such as renal, iliac, and lower extremity angioplasties. The curriculum includes exposure to innovative techniques such as radial access and C02 angiography.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to participate in active clinical research throughout their fellowship year. The program offers opportunities to engage in multiple ongoing multicenter clinical trials, fostering experience in patient recruitment and exposure to the latest therapies in the field.

Additionally, individual research projects can be pursued within the cardiac catheterization lab, electrophysiology, and heart failure specialty areas. This commitment to research ensures fellows are well-prepared to present at national and regional meetings, enhancing their professional development.

Training Sites

The fellowship utilizes two major training centers: SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and the VA Saint Louis Health Care System - John Cochran Division. These sites provide a diverse patient population and a broad range of clinical experiences, ensuring fellows encounter a wide array of cardiovascular pathologies.

The hospitals feature state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment, which enhances the learning experience through multidisciplinary case discussions and bedside teaching.

Didactic Learning and Conferences

The program places a significant emphasis on didactic education, with a robust noon conference schedule that covers core and advanced cardiovascular concepts. The curriculum includes a structured review of foundational knowledge as well as specialized topics relevant to interventional cardiology.

Fellows benefit from engagement in case conferences, journal clubs, and regular interactions with visiting professors, culminating in a well-rounded educational experience.

Application Requirements

Application for the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is highly competitive. Applicants must have completed an accredited internal medicine residency and a minimum of three years of cardiology fellowship training, including certification in cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography.

Moreover, fellows must possess board certification in internal medicine prior to entering the program. The selection process is executed via the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), ensuring a standardized and fair evaluation of candidates.

Visa Sponsorship

The program extends visa sponsorship primarily for J-1 visas, specifically for applicants who have completed their training within the requisite timeline to comply with J-1 status requirements. It is essential to note that the program does not accommodate H-1B visa applications or those with pending permanent residency status.

Fellowship Competitiveness

This fellowship program is known for its competitive nature, generally attracting a robust pool of applicants from diverse backgrounds. It welcomes not only U.S. graduates but also candidates from international medical schools, emphasizing a commitment to diversity and inclusion among its fellows.

The program fosters a collaborative atmosphere, enabling fellows from various training pathways to thrive within the fellowship's structured curriculum.