University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Bowling Green) Program

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Bowling Green) Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program is situated at The Medical Center at Bowling Green, providing a comprehensive one-year training experience in interventional cardiology. This fellowship is fully accredited by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and authorizes two positions annually.

The program ensures adherence to ACGME requirements and aligns with the American College of Cardiology's Core Cardiology Training Statement (COCATS-4). To cultivate independence in clinical decision-making, fellows receive extensive training in coronary interventions, structural heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease in a hands-on environment.

Program Overview

The curriculum emphasizes procedural training, requiring fellows to spend a full year in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory. Annually, The Medical Center performs over 3,800 catheterization procedures and around 42 transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs), ensuring fellows gain significant exposure to critical interventional techniques. The program mandates that fellows complete at least 400 interventional procedures and perform a minimum of 250 coronary interventions throughout their training period.

Ambulatory Clinic Experience

Fellows participate in outpatient clinic rotations, dedicating one half-day each week to follow-up care for patients who have undergone various interventional procedures. They play a crucial role in the pre-procedural assessments, gaining insights into patient management strategies learned during their general cardiology training and applying them in a longitudinal clinic setting.

Research Opportunities

A strong emphasis is placed on scholarly activities. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research under the guidance of faculty mentors. All study projects require approval from the Western Kentucky Heart and Lung Research Foundation, promoting research that contributes meaningfully to the local health system. Additionally, fellows regularly present their findings at regional and national conferences, enhancing their visibility in the academic community.

Curriculum Details

Fellows' training culminates in seven to eight formal teaching presentations per academic year, where they cover topics related to interventional cardiology in front of faculty and peers. The program's training model not only prioritizes clinical competence but also fosters skills in medical education and public speaking.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship, candidates must have graduated from a medical school accredited by either the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Applicants are expected to have completed a minimum of three years in an ACGME or RCPSC-accredited internal medicine residency, followed by three years in a cardiovascular disease fellowship.

Examination and Licensure

All applicants must have successfully completed the USMLE or equivalent COMLEX examinations, with no failures on any step. Board certification in Internal Medicine and board eligibility in Cardiovascular Disease are also required. Candidates must be eligible for a Kentucky Medical License.

Preferred Qualifications

This program prioritizes applicants demonstrating excellent communication skills, strong academic credentials, and solid performance on standardized examinations. Specifically, candidates with USMLE scores of 250 and above or COMLEX scores of 550 and above on each step are preferred.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports candidates requiring a J-1 visa sponsored by the ECFMG. It does not offer H-1B visa sponsorship. Applications from international medical graduates are accepted, provided they hold a valid ECFMG certificate and meet other application prerequisites.

Competitiveness

The selection process is highly competitive, placing an emphasis on applicants' preparedness, skills, and educational background. The program routinely seeks candidates with recent training experiences to ensure they are well-equipped for the fellowship.

Interview Process

Interviews are conducted from September 1 to October 31. Candidates who receive interview invitations may participate in introductory meetings with current fellows, allowing for interactive discussions regarding the fellowship experience.