University of California (San Francisco)/Fresno Program

The UCSF Fresno Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship offers a comprehensive three-year training program recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Established in 2007, this fellowship is part of the Department of Internal Medicine and is closely associated with a robust Internal Medicine Residency Program. The program is designed to provide extensive clinical, academic, and research experiences to its fellows, enabling them to become competent cardiovascular specialists.

The training takes place primarily at Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC), which is notable for being one of California's busiest emergency departments and the only Level 1 trauma center and burn unit between Sacramento and Los Angeles. Additionally, fellows rotate through other prestigious training sites, including the Veterans Affairs Central California Health Care System and the University of California San Francisco's Parnassus Campus, ensuring exposure to a diverse patient population and a wide range of cardiovascular pathologies that are not commonly found in major medical centers.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously structured across three years. The first year emphasizes intensive clinical training, where fellows hone their skills in patient evaluation and diagnostic study interpretation. The later years are more focused on subspecialty training, with six months dedicated to research and elective rotations. Each fellow will be expected to perform more than 300 cardiac catheterizations and 75 transesophageal echocardiograms by the end of the training period, ensuring they meet advanced procedural competencies required in cardiology.

Rotations

Fellows will engage in a variety of rotations throughout their training. The first year includes critical care and consultative services, followed by a mix of research and elective rotations in the subsequent years. The CRMC specifically supports multiple core rotations in non-invasive cardiology, cardiac electrophysiology, and angiography. Moreover, electives include experiences at the UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, where fellows can focus on cardiac transplantation or advanced electrophysiology procedures.

Conferences and Education

The program incorporates rigorous didactic sessions and conferences, which occur daily. These sessions cover a spectrum of topics, including acute coronary syndromes, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and more. Fellows are also required to participate in journal clubs, morbidity and mortality conferences, and ethics conferences. They are strongly encouraged to attend national meetings such as the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology scientific sessions, where they can present their research findings.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the fellowship. Each fellow is expected to participate in mentored research or quality improvement projects, culminating in presentations at national conferences. Fellows have the opportunity to engage in ongoing clinical trials and research projects focusing on critical areas of cardiovascular health, ensuring an environment that fosters academic growth and inquiry.

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must belong to one of the following categories: be a U.S. citizen, possess a green card, have an EAD (work permit), or hold an ECFMG-sponsored J-1 visa. The program does not typically sponsor H-1B visas. Applicants must submit a comprehensive application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), including a personal statement, CV, three letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, and USMLE and ECFMG transcripts (if applicable). The program accepts three fellows annually and requires selected candidates to possess a valid California medical license at specific points during their training.

Training Sites

As previously mentioned, CRMC serves as the primary training site, equipped with an extensive cardiovascular unit and advanced cardiac imaging capabilities. The VA Central California Health Care Center also plays a crucial role in the fellows' training by offering access to major clinical trial research and continuity clinics. Fellows can also participate in surgical rotations and specialized services at UCSF and local community hospitals, thereby broadening their clinical exposure and experience.

Competitive Nature and Candidate Preference

The UCSF Fresno Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is highly competitive, attracting residents from various backgrounds, including both MD and DO graduates. The program is well-regarded for its commitment to producing well-rounded and highly skilled cardiology specialists, making it a favorable choice for many applicants, including those from international medical backgrounds.

Visa Support

The program offers support for specific visa types to ensure that international applicants can pursue their training without unnecessary barriers. J-1 visas sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) are accepted, facilitating training for international medical graduates. However, the program does not typically offer H-1B visa sponsorship.