University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program at the University of Louisville School of Medicine is designed to deliver comprehensive training in interventional cardiology. The mission of the program is to cultivate exceptional professionals equipped with the procedural proficiency, clinical acumen, and professional conduct necessary to excel as academic interventional cardiologists.

Program Overview

The fellowship program accepts two to three fellows annually, making it a competitive and sought-after opportunity. Trainees gain extensive experience in managing a diverse spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, including but not limited to coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, adult congenital heart disease, aortic pathologies, and cardiomyopathies

1. The program’s commitment to high-caliber training ensures that graduates are well-prepared to pass relevant specialty board examinations post-training.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship spans one year and meets the rigorous requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Training is structured in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the American College of Cardiology (COCATS) and encompasses both clinical and procedural training. During the fellowship, participants will gain proficiency in advanced interventions, including but not limited to percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), intravascular ultrasound, and transcatheter aortic valve implantation

1. The faculty-to-fellow ratio is impressive, maintaining a greater than 3:1 ratio, which underlines the personalized training approach.

Training Sites

Major training activities occur at UofL Health - Jewish Hospital, a leading tertiary referral center. The facility includes a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab that performs over 16,500 diagnostic and interventional procedures annually. Fellows are also involved with the Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center, enriching their training with a broader patient demographic

1. These sites facilitate exposure to a variety of cardiovascular disorders, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

Research and Learning Opportunities

Fellows are required to attend a series of weekly conferences, including interventional conferences, journal clubs, and multidisciplinary meetings. These sessions foster continual learning and collaboration across specialties within cardiovascular medicine. Opportunities for research are also abundant, as the program encourages engagement in ongoing clinical research trials, emphasizing innovation within the field

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Application Process and Eligibility

Applicants to the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship must possess eligibility that includes completion of three years of internal medicine training, with board certification or participation in an ACGME-accredited Cardiology Fellowship Program. The application requires objective letters of reference and appropriate immigration documentation for foreign applicants, including a J-1 Visa or valid Permanent Resident Card

1. Evaluation of applications is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) system, with interviews typically held in the spring.

Visa Support

The program offers support for foreign applicants, facilitating J-1 visa sponsorship and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. This program embraces inclusivity, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds, thus allowing for a richer educational environment

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Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Louisville is highly competitive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds, including those from U.S. osteopathic (DO) schools and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program prides itself on maintaining an inclusive atmosphere while delivering top-notch training through its experienced faculty and comprehensive clinical exposure

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Feedback and Evaluation

Regular feedback is integral to the training experience. Evaluations are conducted quarterly, using a structured web-based system that fosters transparency and continuous improvement. This system allows fellows to view feedback at any time, ensuring that they can respond constructively to evaluation comments and enhance their learning experience

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Financial Considerations

Financial support is guaranteed for fellows; they are not required to generate any salary contribution during the fellowship year. Compensation is aligned with the university’s PGY pay scale, which is reviewed and adjusted annually

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