University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System offers a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program aimed at training future experts in the evaluation and management of patients with cardiac arrhythmias. The program integrates advanced techniques, such as pulse field ablation for arrhythmias, and focuses on the implantation of a range of cardiac devices, from leadless pacemakers to more complex defibrillators. The fellowship is positioned within the Cardiovascular Diseases division at the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine and lasts for two years.

Locations

The training occurs primarily at three key sites:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital
• UHealth Tower
• Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

These locations provide fellows with a diverse, multicultural patient population and a broad range of clinical cases, including primary, secondary, and tertiary referrals.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is designed to ensure comprehensive clinical training. In the first year, fellows are significantly integrated into the Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory, gaining exposure through conducting EP consults and managing inpatients. They will also acquire proficiency in electrical device implants and diagnostic electrophysiology studies.

The second year is focused on enhancing clinical decision-making and technical skills, with fellows expected to perform routine catheter ablations and to further develop their understanding of complex arrhythmias.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a crucial role in the fellowship, with fellows allocated specific time blocks dedicated to research projects. They are expected to present findings and prepare manuscripts for publication, contributing to the broader field of cardiac electrophysiology.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is notably competitive, appealing to both MD and DO graduates, including those from international medical backgrounds. Successful applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency and a three-year cardiovascular diseases program. Additionally, applicants must have passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, and 3 or possess an equivalent Comprehensive Medical Licensing Examination certification and hold an ECFMG certificate.

Visa Support

The program offers support for the J-1 Visa, which is the standard visa type for international medical graduates participating in this fellowship. This visa is sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and allows for training within the United States.

Teaching Responsibilities

Fellows are actively involved in the education of medical students and residents, participating in weekly conferences, journal clubs, and case presentations. This interaction fosters an academic environment that promotes ongoing education and professional development.

Program Highlights

The fellowship program boasts a 100% board pass rate over the past decade, underscoring its commitment to excellence in training. The program ensures high faculty-to-fellow ratios, enabling ample exposure to a wide variety of procedures and a diverse array of patients with cardiac arrhythmias.