Suburban Community Hospital (Lower Bucks Hospital) Program

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program at Lower Bucks Hospital is designed to prepare fellows to become highly skilled cardiovascular disease specialists. This three-year program offers an extensive curriculum that encompasses various areas of cardiology, along with commitment toward training that emphasizes evidence-based practices and patient-centered care.

Program Overview

The program’s mission is to develop proficient cardiovascular providers who are dedicated to lifelong learning and excellence in patient care. Fellows receive exposure to a range of cardiovascular subspecialties, which allows them to understand the complexities of cardiac health across diverse populations. The program is under the directorship of Dr. Shahzad Ahmed, a board-certified interventional cardiologist and clinical Associate Professor at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, who emphasizes mentorship and clinical education throughout the fellowship experience 1.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is rigorous, featuring a blend of clinical rotations and academic learning. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Consult service
• Non-invasive echocardiography
• Electrophysiology
• Cardiac catheterization
• Cardiac intensive care unit
• Noninvasive nuclear medicine
• Noninvasive cardiac imaging
• Dedicated research

In addition to clinical duties, fellows attend weekly didactics, morning reports, and participate in scholarly activities, including grand rounds and journal clubs. They are also encouraged to present at national conferences and engage in research projects throughout their training 4.

Benefits

Fellows at Lower Bucks Hospital enjoy a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 401k retirement plan options
• Free parking at the hospital and ancillary facilities
• Two white coats
• A stipend for scholarly activities, applicable to publications, conferences, textbooks, and other academic needs
• Two meals per day
• Salary information: PGY 4 is $62,079; PGY 5, and PGY 6 salaries to be determined

Such benefits contribute positively to the overall experience of fellows during their training 5.

Application Process

Interested candidates must fulfill specific application requirements to be considered for the fellowship program, including:

• USMLE/COMLEX scores
• Medical School Transcript
• Dean's Letter
• Minimum of four Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Photograph

Interviews are conducted between September and November, and applicants must have an ERAS ID. The program holds accreditation ID: 1414114005 3.

Rotations and Training Sites

The fellowship features a diverse training experience with rotations at multiple campuses. This diversity ensures fellows engage with varied patient populations, which is critical for developing culturally competent care and understanding the socioeconomic factors influencing cardiovascular health.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorships for international medical graduates, typically supporting J-1 and H-1B visa types. This reflects its commitment to building an inclusive and diverse learning environment while enhancing the program's competitiveness in attracting top international talent.

Competitiveness

This fellowship program is known to be highly competitive, welcoming a mix of candidates including DO and international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and a genuine commitment to the field of cardiology, along with robust references and clinical experiences.

Unique Aspects

One of the program’s standout features is its emphasis on developing future leaders in cardiovascular medicine, with a strong focus on mentorship and teaching. Faculty are distinguished leaders in their respective subspecialties, providing fellows with invaluable insights and opportunities.

Through a combination of comprehensive clinical training, research opportunities, and a supportive learning environment, the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Lower Bucks Hospital aims to cultivate a new generation of cardiovascular specialists dedicated to advancing care in the field.