Jul 1, 2001
University of California (San Francisco) Program
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
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Program data
ACGME History [2]
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
50 Publications (5 yr)
Does Weight Loss Prevent Atrial Fibrillation?
MTMR4 variants have opposite gene-specific impact on life-threatening arrhythmic risk in type 1 and 2 long QT syndrome.
Location
San Francisco, CA [4]
- 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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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