Tower Health Program

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Tower Health encompasses a robust three-year program approved by ACGME, designed to train six fellows annually. The flagship facility, Reading Hospital, serves a diverse patient population from urban, suburban, and rural backgrounds, ensuring that fellows receive a comprehensive educational experience with a wide range of cardiac conditions. This diverse exposure is pivotal for developing nuanced clinical skills necessary for managing complex cardiovascular cases 1.

Training at Reading Hospital stands out as the program is situated in a high-volume facility specializing in non-invasive cardiac testing and cutting-edge interventional and structural cardiac procedures. These include but are not limited to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defect (ASD), various implant procedures, and innovative mitral valve interventions. Furthermore, the program encompasses advanced electrophysiology training, covering procedures for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter ablation, ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation, and cardiac device implantation as well as lead extraction 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship's curriculum is meticulously structured to facilitate an extensive learning experience. The three years of training are divided into various core components:

• Twelve months are dedicated to clinical practice activities without laboratory assistance, including cardiovascular consultation, inpatient care, and critical care in both cardiac medical and surgical domains, along with preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation.
• Four months in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, providing hands-on experience with invasive techniques.
• Ten months in non-invasive imaging laboratories covering echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, vascular imaging, and stress testing.
• Two months are allocated for clinical electrophysiology consultation.
• Two months of research focusing on the fellow's chosen interests, culminating in strengthened research skills.
• The final six months of the program provide opportunities for personalized advanced rotations tailored to the fellow's interests, whether that be in catheterization, electrophysiology, imaging, or advanced heart failure services.

Additionally, throughout the three years, fellows partake in a continual ambulatory cardiovascular care experience, evaluating and managing patients directly under the mentorship of an attending physician, ensuring well-rounded exposure 3.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty involved in the Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program comprises a team of experts dedicated to medical education and patient-centered care. The program's leadership is committed to fostering an environment where fellows can thrive academically and professionally. This mentorship is critical for developing the necessary skills to excel in cardiovascular medicine 4.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Tower Health is competitive, attracting candidates from varied backgrounds, including DO and IMG graduates. The selection process is rigorous, with particular attention to applicants' clinical experiences, academic achievements, and overall fit within the program 2.

Application requirements typically include a completed residency in internal medicine, desired performance metrics on licensing examinations (with specific attention given to any failed attempts), and a track record of relevant clinical experience. Specific details regarding the maximum number of failed STEP exams or years since graduation may impact eligibility, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong academic record.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program offers visa sponsorship, facilitating J-1 or H-1B visa types. This support ensures that qualified international candidates can pursue their training and contribute to the diverse fellowship community at Tower Health.