United Health Services Hospitals Program

Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program Overview

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at United Health Services Hospitals, specifically at Wilson Medical Center, is a fully accredited 3-year program dedicated to the training of specialists in cardiovascular care. The fellowship accommodates 1 to 2 fellows each year, with a strong emphasis on providing comprehensive education that aligns with the COCATS guidelines. This training occurs within a high-volume cardiac institution that handles over 100 STEMI admissions annually and approximately 1,000 percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) along with over 20 cardiac consults daily. The facility boasts state-of-the-art amenities including more than 8,000 echocardiograms and 3,000 nuclear stress tests performed each year, positioning the program as a top choice for aspiring cardiologists.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship provides a structured curriculum throughout the three years, accommodating various clinical experiences across diverse settings. In the first year (PGY-4), fellows spend extensive time in consult services, cardiac intensive care, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and nuclear cardiology, along with exposure to clinical outpatient experiences in various specialty clinics.

During the second year (PGY-5), the focus continues to deepen with more specialized rotations in electrophysiology and research, enhancing both practical skills and scholarly activity. By the final year (PGY-6), fellows can refine their expertise further with electives in vascular surgeries and cardiothoracic surgery, while additionally maintaining continuity in outpatient clinic settings.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Fellows engage actively in research throughout their tenure, with a requirement to complete at least one scholarly activity. The program fosters an environment where fellows are encouraged to present findings in regional and national conferences, which is instrumental for career development in academic medicine.

Training Environment and Facilities

Training occurs at Wilson Medical Center, a regional referral and level 2 trauma center, providing a diverse patient population, which offers fellows a robust clinical experience. The facility is supported by a spectrum of well-established residency programs and promotes a multidisciplinary approach to cardiovascular health.

The proactive teaching environment is enhanced by weekly lectures, grand rounds, and a variety of educational conferences that stress collaborative learning and mentorship.

Stipends and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive annual salary of $64,459 alongside a comprehensive benefits package. Health coverage is provided in partnership with Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, where a major portion of the premiums is subsidized, and includes life, malpractice, dental, and vision insurance.

The fellowship offers 27 days of personal time off for vacation, board preparations, and other unexpected absences, along with a moving allowance and a professional development fund of $1,500 per year that supports educational resources and conference attendance.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship program provides visa support; however, specific types of visas eligible for sponsorship should be confirmed with the program directly as details may vary.

To apply, candidates must have completed a residency in Internal Medicine accredited by ACGME and should submit an application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), along with a Curriculum Vitae, personal statement, and a minimum of three letters of recommendation. It is imperative for applicants to have passed all steps of the USMLE or COMLEX examinations.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

The program is considered competitive with a focus on attracting high-caliber medical graduates, welcoming both Allopathic (DO) and International Medical Graduates (IMG). Appropriate educational background and demonstrated interest in cardiology through clinical rotations or research are essential for a successful application.