University of California Riverside School of Medicine/St. Bernardine Medical Center – Dignity Health Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship program at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, in partnership with St. Bernardine Medical Center, is a comprehensive one-year training program focused on developing advanced clinical and procedural skills in interventional cardiology. The fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is specifically designed to train fellows to become competent and compassionate cardiologists, fully prepared to address the challenges of cardiovascular disease in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.

Program Structure and Competencies

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship comprises rigorous clinical training coupled with a didactic education framework. The curriculum adheres to the Core Cardiology Training Symposium (COCATS4) guidelines and encompasses the main competencies established by the ACGME, thus ensuring fellows develop expertise in all 16 content areas of cardiology, with a particular emphasis on procedural competence in interventional techniques. Fellows engage in a diverse range of clinical encounters, which include inpatient and outpatient settings, and are expected to develop proficiency in advanced cardiovascular interventions effectively.

Rotation Schedule and Core Experiences

During their fellowship training, participants will engage in a variety of essential rotations designed to provide comprehensive exposure to the field. Core rotations include the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, where fellows will develop technical skills necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Other critical experiences consist of inpatient ward rotations, cardiac imaging, and continuity clinics, where fellows will participate in long-term patient management and follow-up care.

The training also includes rotations in specialty clinics and research opportunities, which are essential for fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of cardiac care and honing critical thinking and leadership skills. Through a multi-disciplinary team approach, fellows will learn to evaluate individual patient needs and contribute effectively to patient care.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is St. Bernardine Medical Center, a 342-bed facility recognized as a leader in cardiac care in Southern California. The hospital features a full range of cardiovascular procedures and services, including advanced cardiac surgery and interventional procedures such as angioplasty and stenting.

Fellows may also gain exposure to the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Hospital, enhancing their clinical training by treating a diverse veteran population with complex cardiac issues.

Research and Educational Goals

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship. Each fellow is encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, which include quality improvement projects and contributions to ongoing research under the mentorship of experienced faculty. This commitment to research and quality improvement ensures that fellows are not only competent clinicians but also innovative and evidence-based practitioners.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows are employed by the University of California, Riverside, with salaries and benefits comparative to other fellowship programs and consistent with the University’s Graduate Medical Education policies. Detailed information about salaries and comprehensive benefits can be accessed through the institution's GME resource base.

Application Process

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and requires applications to be submitted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must possess completed training in an accredited Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship prior to entering the program.

International Medical Graduates (IMG) and Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program is IMG friendly, accepting applications from international candidates who meet the program's educational and training standards. Visa types supported include H-1B and J-1 visas, providing opportunities for qualified international medical graduates to complete their training.

Competitiveness

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is highly competitive, aiming to attract top candidates with demonstrated excellence in their prior training and a strong commitment to the field of cardiology.