St Luke's University Hospital Program

The St. Luke’s University Hospital Interventional Cardiology Fellowship offers a one-year ACGME accredited subspecialty training program designed for physicians who have already completed an approved clinical fellowship program in cardiology. The primary aim of this program is to cultivate subspecialists who excel in performing a comprehensive range of coronary, vascular, and structural heart interventions. The program also incorporates the opportunity for fellows to receive training on less commonly performed procedures, depending on individual interests.

The Program Structure

The fellowship training is structured to maximize hands-on procedural experience. It is framed around the principle that a diverse procedural volume is vital for developing the competence required for independent practice. Since the inception of the fellowship, significant emphasis has been placed on performing a high number of relevant invasive procedures. As a reference, fellows typically perform:

• Diagnostic left heart catheterizations: 650-750 annually (approximately 80% via radial access)
• Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: 325-425 annually with around 75-90 acute STEMI PCIs (approximately 85% via radial access)
• Right Heart Catheterization: 35-55 annually
• IVUS/OCT imaging: 130-175 per year
• Structural interventions such as TAVR: 55-80 annually, among other procedures.

This breadth of experience facilitates proficiency in a variety of essential techniques, setting the fellowship apart in terms of hands-on training.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum emphasizes the practical application of knowledge and skills in interventional cardiology, ensuring that fellows not only understand the theoretical framework guiding invasive procedures but also are adept at application in real-world settings. Fellows are required to participate in regular surgical and academic conferences, which cover monthly topical reviews, a core curriculum lecture series, journal clubs, and bi-weekly case discussions. Furthermore, fellows engage in independent research initiatives, which is an integral part of their training.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a pivotal role in the fellowship experience. Fellows are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects, with time allocated for meaningful inquiry. The program provides statistical support and facilitates engagement in high-level research initiatives, allowing fellows to contribute to nationally recognized studies and bolster their professional profiles through presentations at national meetings.

Faculty and Mentorship

The fellowship's faculty comprises a team of experienced board-certified interventional cardiologists dedicated to the fellows' education. The program emphasizes mentorship, where fellows can gain insights from an ample pool of expertise and experiences, significantly enriching their learning curve and professional development.

Fellowship Support and Resources

St. Luke’s supports its fellows with administrative assistance, particularly to alleviate burdens associated with procedural logistics and patient management. Dedicated nurse practitioners work alongside fellows, focusing on tasks that enable fellows to concentrate fully on gaining procedural experience. Moreover, the program coordinator offers robust support for any administrative challenges that arise.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at St. Luke’s is competitive due to its robust training environment and high procedural volumes. The program welcomes applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Special application requirements include submitting a letter of interest, a CV, and prerequisite materials by September 1. Candidates should have completed a general cardiology fellowship prior to applying.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa support for eligible candidates, offering sponsorships that are typically available for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This facilitates the inclusion of international medical graduates in the fellowship, promoting a diverse cohort.