University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive three-year training program designed to educate the next generation of cardiovascular specialists. This program includes training at three distinct institutions: Jackson Memorial Hospital, UHealth Tower, and the Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, each providing a diverse clinical experience and a wide range of cardiovascular treatments and pathologies 1.

Curriculum

The fellowship program consists of 13 rotations per year, broken down into four-week blocks, with a total of 24 months dedicated to clinical training. Fellows participate in nine to 12 months of direct clinical cardiology rotations that involve cardiac consultation, care in the coronary unit, electrophysiology, and heart failure/cardiac transplantation services. Additionally, fellows engage in rotations within other subspecialties, including four months in the cardiac catheterization laboratory and echocardiography 1.

First Year (CC-1)

During the first year, fellows will rotate at Jackson Memorial Hospital, VA Medical Center, and UHealth Tower, covering areas such as advanced heart failure and transplant service, coronary care unit, cardiac catheterization, and echocardiography. The training at this stage emphasizes foundational knowledge and skills required for a career in cardiology 1.

Second Year (CC-2)

The second year includes advanced rotations at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the VA Medical Center, where fellows will have more responsibilities, particularly in managing patients in clinical settings. The curriculum focuses on refining skills in areas such as echocardiography and cardiac catheterization 1.

Third Year (CC-3)

In the final year, fellows are allowed to tailor their training towards specific areas of interest or career goals through elective rotations and additional subspecialty training. This may include advanced heart failure, interventional cardiology, or cardiac transplantation, providing fellows with the opportunity to delve deeper into their chosen fields 1.

Research Opportunities

The program strongly encourages fellow participation in research activities and offers pathways to pursue advanced training in ACGME-accredited programs related to their interests, including opportunities for a dedicated research year with various scientific mentors in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine 1.

Training Sites

The diverse training sites include:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital: A public facility that serves a large patient population.
• UHealth Tower: A private, university-based hospital offering advanced technology and care.
• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Focused on veteran care, providing unique clinical experiences 1.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in internal medicine, possess a valid medical license, and must have passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination or equivalent. Additionally, foreign applicants must have an ECFMG certificate 1.

Visa Support

The program offers J1 visa sponsorship through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates for applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This facilitates the participation of international medical graduates in the program 1.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a broad array of applicants, including both U.S. and international medical graduates. The program is known to balance both MD and DO training backgrounds while welcoming international medical graduates with appropriate credentials 1.

Call Schedule

The program features a structured call schedule with fellow involvement in general cardiology call pools at all training sites. The call obligations differ by year, with first-year fellows covering most calls, while third-year fellows have minimized responsibilities. This structure allows for ample learning opportunities while managing the demands of fellowship training 1.