University of California Riverside School of Medicine/St. Bernardine Medical Center – Dignity Health Program
Location:
Riverside, CASpecialty:
Cardiovascular diseaseACGME Code:
1410514290The Cardiovascular Fellowship Program at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine and St. Bernardine Medical Center is a three-year program that offers a rigorous clinical and didactic education, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The program primarily takes place at St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino, California, providing fellows with comprehensive outpatient and robust inpatient experiences, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to complex cardiac issues through a heart team model.
1This fellowship program is committed to training competent and compassionate physicians capable of functioning effectively in multidisciplinary settings, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of literature and adherence to evidence-based practices. Each year, the program accepts four fellows, culminating in a total of twelve fellows across the training duration.
8Curriculum and Rotations
The Cardiovascular Fellowship curriculum is structured around the Core Cardiology Training Symposium (COCATS4) guidelines, targeting the core healthcare needs of the Inland Southern California region. Key components of the curriculum include:
- Familiarization with the 15 COCATS4 content areas and achievement of competence in these areas along with population health.
- Development of core competencies as delineated by ACGME, while also incorporating scholarship and community health as additional competency areas.
- Milestone monitoring and evaluation that allows fellows to declare independence as their training progresses.
- Greater emphasis on continuity of care paired with specialized training in targeted areas.
The fellow's training includes core rotations in various settings such as the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Echocardiography, and specialty clinics focusing on arrhythmias, heart failure, and congenital heart diseases. Additionally, fellows participate in research and quality improvement projects under the guidance of faculty, ensuring that they develop critical thinking skills and are well-versed in research methodologies.
3Training Sites
The primary training site for the fellowship is St. Bernardine Medical Center, recognized for its state-of-the-art cardiovascular program which includes various cardiac procedures. The facility provides comprehensive care for a diverse patient population and has a robust volume of cardiac interventions, thus allowing fellows to gain substantive clinical experience.
7In addition to St. Bernardine, the fellowship encompasses rotations at other esteemed locations such as:
- Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital, providing exposure to veterans' healthcare.
- Loma Linda VA Medical Center offers fellowships in cardiac critical care.
- Various outpatient clinics for continuity of care training.
Research Opportunities
Research training is an integral component of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to engage actively in quality improvement projects, case reports, and original research. The collaboration with biostatisticians at UCR aids in these endeavors, fostering an environment where fellows enhance their understanding of research methodologies that they will utilize throughout their careers.
5Competitiveness & Application Process
The Cardiovascular Fellowship Program is highly competitive, seeking candidates who have completed an Internal Medicine residency. The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and accepts applications solely through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), making it accessible for U.S. and International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
9Important application requirements include submission of USMLE or COMLEX scores, a Dean's letter (MSPE), and three letters of recommendation. There are no maximum limits specified for failed STEP exams, making the program approachable for a broader pool of candidates.
Visa Sponsorship
The program provides visa support and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring that international applicants can seamlessly integrate into the training setup without legal hindrances.
2Website
Director
Prabhdeep S Sethi, MD, MPHProgram Director Appointed Since February 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$79,200First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
0.4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Riverside, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Riverside, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Riverside has a moderate crime rate. While some areas may have higher crime rates, overall, Riverside is considered relatively safe.
- Fun activities: Riverside offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and visiting parks. The city also has cultural attractions, shopping centers, and restaurants to enjoy.
- Climate: Riverside has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months.
- Races and population: Riverside is a diverse city with a population that includes people of various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Riverside is home to the University of California, Riverside, as well as other higher education institutions.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Riverside is lower than in some other areas of California, making it more affordable for residents.
- Nearby cities: Riverside is about an hour's drive from Los Angeles and about 45 minutes from Anaheim. Both cities offer a wide range of entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse population, proximity to larger cities.
- Cons: Hot summer temperatures, moderate crime rate in some areas.