University of California (San Francisco) Program

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is a prestigious one-year ACGME-accredited program designed for cardiologists aiming to achieve advanced training in interventional procedures. It encompasses a comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing fellows for a successful career in interventional cardiology.

Program Structure

The fellowship provides an extensive array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, primarily focusing on percutaneous coronary interventions, including complex cases like chronic total occlusions. An integral aspect of the training is the emphasis on developing an active area of research interest, further enhancing academic and clinical skills.

The program operates from three primary clinical sites: UCSF Health, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Hospital, and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Fellows mostly work at UCSF Health and the Veterans Hospital, with opportunities to engage at all three sites, benefiting from an active catheterization laboratory environment that performs over 2,000 procedures annually 1.

Curriculum and Training

During the training year, fellows will engage in various clinical rotations focusing on different aspects of interventional cardiology. This includes:

• Primary operator experience in invasive diagnostic cardiac procedures.
• A thorough involvement in coronary interventions as well as other specialized interventions like ethanol septal ablations.
• Weekly attendance in interventional cardiac conferences, case discussions, and journal clubs.

Each fellow is expected to spend considerable time (up to 4.5 days per week) in the catheterization laboratory, gaining hands-on experience under the mentorship of seasoned interventionalists.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the UCSF fellowship experience. Fellows are encouraged to engage in various active research projects. The scope includes clinical trials, investigations involving patient data, and animal studies. This commitment helps prepare fellows for academic and research-intensive career paths, along with opportunities to present findings at national conferences 2.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The UCSF program is known for its inclusivity, providing sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, which is particularly beneficial for international medical graduates. However, the program is competitive, receiving more than 400 applications for just two fellow positions each year 3.

To be eligible for the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited Cardiovascular Disease fellowship. While the program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs, candidates must demonstrate a solid educational record and relevant experience.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive a salary at the PGY-7 level, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid vacation time amounting to four weeks annually 4.

Ethical Standards and Professionalism

The program emphasizes professionalism and ethical behavior, fostering an environment that prioritizes patient care and collaborative learning among fellows and faculty. Professional development is interwoven into the fellowship, where fellows receive regular evaluations to instill a sense of accountability, respect, and compassion 5.

Fellowship Locations

Fellows engage in training across a range of UCSF campuses, including:

• UCSF Medical Center at Parnassus Heights
• San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
• Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital

This multi-campus experience allows fellows to gain insight into treating a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, ranging from routine to highly complex cases.

Application Process

Applications are processed through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), where candidates must demonstrate their qualifications and previous training in cardiology. Specific requirements regarding graduation year or previous exam failures may apply, and it's essential for candidates to adhere to these standards to be competitive in the selection process 6.