University of California (San Francisco) Program

San Francisco, CA
Specialty:Interventional cardiology
ACGME Code:1520531086
NRMP Code:-
Status:Continued Accreditation

Overview

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)Interventional Cardiology Fellowship is a prestigious one-yearACGME-accredited program designed for cardiologists aiming toachieve advanced training in interventional procedures. Itencompasses a comprehensive curriculum aimed at preparing fellowsfor a successful career in interventional cardiology.

Program Structure

The fellowship provides an extensive array of diagnostic andtherapeutic procedures, primarily focusing on percutaneous coronaryinterventions, including complex cases like chronic totalocclusions. An integral aspect of the training is the emphasis ondeveloping an active area of research interest, further enhancingacademic and clinical skills.

The program operates from three primary clinical sites: UCSFHealth, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Hospital, and Zuckerberg SanFrancisco General Hospital. Fellows mostly work at UCSF Health andthe Veterans Hospital, with opportunities to engage at all threesites, benefiting from an active catheterization laboratoryenvironment that performs over 2,000 procedures annually1.

Curriculum and Training

During the training year, fellows will engage in various clinicalrotations focusing on different aspects of interventionalcardiology. This includes:
  • Primary operator experience in invasive diagnostic cardiacprocedures.
  • A thorough involvement in coronary interventions as well asother specialized interventions like ethanol septal ablations.
  • Weekly attendance in interventional cardiac conferences, casediscussions, and journal clubs.

Each fellow is expected to spend considerable time (up to 4.5days per week) in the catheterization laboratory, gaining hands-onexperience 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 researchprojects. The scope includes clinical trials, investigationsinvolving patient data, and animal studies. This commitment helpsprepare fellows for academic and research-intensive career paths,along with opportunities to present findings at nationalconferences 2.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The UCSF program is known for its inclusivity, providingsponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, which is particularlybeneficial for international medical graduates. However, theprogram is competitive, receiving more than 400 applications forjust two fellow positions each year 3.

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

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive a salary at the PGY-7 level, alongside acomprehensive benefits package. This includes health, dental, andvision insurance, as well as paid vacation time amounting to fourweeks annually 4.

Ethical Standards and Professionalism

The program emphasizes professionalism and ethical behavior,fostering an environment that prioritizes patient care andcollaborative learning among fellows and faculty. Professionaldevelopment is interwoven into the fellowship, where fellowsreceive 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 intotreating a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, ranging fromroutine to highly complex cases.

Application Process

Applications are processed through the National Resident MatchingProgram (NRMP), where candidates must demonstrate theirqualifications and previous training in cardiology. Specificrequirements regarding graduation year or previous exam failuresmay apply, and it's essential for candidates to adhere to thesestandards to be competitive in the selection process6.

Web sources

SmartPick

Program data

ACGME History [2]

Accreditation Last updated: Jul 16, 2026
Initial accreditation5
Full accreditation0
Continued22
Warning0
Probationary Accreditation0
Withdrawal0

Program

Program Size

-- (1 years) [1]

Accreditation Status

Continued Accreditation

(Effective: January 23, 2026)

Composition

--

Training

Fellowship Rate:--

Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:4.5X [1]

Residents Career Path

--

Quality of Life

First Year Paid Sick Leave: --

First Year Paid Vacation: --

First Year Salary: $105,443 [1]

First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]

First Year Average Weekly Hours: 45 hours [1]

Admission

USMLE Step 2 Score: --

Visa Sponsorship:--

YOG Cutoff:--

Race / Ethnicity

No race data available.

Gender

No gender data available.

Incoming Schools

No incoming school data available.

Rotation Duration by Site

Benchmarks

Roster

Publications

50 Publications (5 yr)

Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years

European heart journal2026

MTMR4 variants have opposite gene-specific impact on life-threatening arrhythmic risk in type 1 and 2 long QT syndrome.

Peter J Schwartz,1Annika Winbo,2Luca Sala,1Lia Crotti,1

Location

San Francisco, CA [4]

Population
873,965
Median income
$126,730Above
Education
60.4%Above
Employment
65.9%Below
Health
3.2%On par
Age
40On par
  • Above the national average
  • Below the national average
  • Similar to the national average

Housing — Rental prices [5]

Rental prices

Crime — All violent offences [6]

Rate per 100,000 residents

Living in San Francisco, CA

Crime Rate and Safety

San Francisco has a higher crime rate compared to many other cities in the country. However, certain neighborhoods are safer than others. It's essential to research the safety of the specific area where you plan to live.

Fun Activities

San Francisco offers a vibrant cultural scene, numerous restaurants, art museums, parks, and beautiful beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and water sports.

Climate

San Francisco has a mild climate with cool summers and rainy winters. The city is known for its foggy weather, especially during the summer months.

Races and Population

San Francisco is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities. It is known for its open-mindedness and acceptance of all cultures.

Education

The city is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering opportunities for learning and research.

Cost of Living

San Francisco has a high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. It's important to consider this when planning your budget.

Proximity to Other Cities

San Francisco is close to other major cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose. Driving times to these cities vary but are generally within an hour's range.

Pros

  • Rich cultural scene
  • diverse population
  • opportunities for outdoor activities
  • and renowned educational institutions.

Cons

  • High cost of living
  • traffic congestion
  • and certain areas may have safety concerns.

FAQ

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Nearby programs

Interventional cardiology Programs Near San Francisco, CA

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center ProgramLos Angeles, CAInterventional cardiologyScripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital ProgramLa Jolla, CAInterventional cardiologyStanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University ProgramStanford, CAInterventional cardiologyUniversity of California (San Francisco)/Fresno ProgramFresno, CAInterventional cardiologyUniversity of California Davis Health ProgramSacramento, CAInterventional cardiologySouthwest Healthcare Medical Education Consortium ProgramTemecula, CAInterventional cardiologyUniversity of California (San Diego) Medical Center ProgramLa Jolla, CAInterventional cardiologyCedars-Sinai Medical Center ProgramLos Angeles, CAInterventional cardiologyUniversity of California (Irvine) ProgramOrange, CAInterventional cardiologyUniversity of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) ProgramLos Angeles, CAInterventional cardiologyOregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health) ProgramPortland, ORInterventional cardiologyHCA Healthcare Riverside ProgramRiverside, CAInterventional cardiologyLos Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center ProgramTorrance, CAInterventional cardiologyLoma Linda University Health Education Consortium ProgramLoma Linda, CAInterventional cardiologyUniversity of California Riverside School of Medicine/St. Bernardine Medical Center – Dignity Health ProgramSan Bernardino, CAInterventional cardiologyKaiser Permanente Southern California (Los Angeles) ProgramLos Angeles, CAInterventional cardiology

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References

1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/1520531086

2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search

3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/

4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US0667000

5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/

6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr