University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program
Location:
Albuquerque, NMSpecialty:
Cardiovascular diseaseACGME Code:
1413421165The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Training Program at the University of New Mexico provides comprehensive experience in the field of cardiovascular disease over three years. Situated within a nationally recognized academic medical center and its affiliated Veterans Administration Hospital, the program aims to develop well-rounded cardiologists adept in various clinical competencies.
This program admits four fellows annually, with an additional fellowship position available every three years, totaling 13 fellows. The training aligns with the core clinical requirements set forth by the ACGME and American College of Cardiology guidelines, specifically COCATS II, ensuring fellow eligibility for board certification after satisfactorily completing at least three years of training.
Curriculum Overview
The fellowship curriculum is designed to ensure fellows achieve a strong foundation in clinical cardiology. The training includes:
- 9 months of clinical cardiology, including involvement in CCU, inpatient cardiology, and consultations.
- 4 months in diagnostic cardiac catheterization.
- 6 months in non-invasive lab training, which comprises a minimum of 3 months in echocardiography and 2 months in nuclear imaging.
This comprehensive training prepares fellows to function effectively as consultants in cardiovascular disease and provides pathways for advanced COCATS Level 2 training.
Training Sites and Rotations
Fellowship training takes place at two primary sites: the University of New Mexico Hospital and the New Mexico VA Health Care System. Each site offers unique resources and patient populations, enhancing the educational experience:
University of New Mexico Hospital
As a 618-bed academic teaching hospital, it serves as the principal training ground equipped with:
- Coronary care unit and multiple specialized laboratories including catheterization, electrophysiology, and nuclear cardiology.
- A 20-bed cardiac step-down unit.
- Cornerstone facilities for pediatric cardiology and structural heart interventions.
New Mexico VA Health Care System
This 350-bed tertiary care hospital primarily supports veterans and active-duty military personnel. It provides integral training opportunities for managing complex cardiovascular conditions:
- Facilities for dedicated care in severe coronary artery disease, valve diseases, and arrhythmias.
- Comprehensive research opportunities across specialties.
Fellowship Structure
The program is structured across three years:
Year One
The initial year includes intensive clinical training divided into 13 four-week blocks that encompass key cardiology experiences:
- Diagnostic catheterizations, echocardiography, inpatient cardiology rotations, and outpatient continuity clinics.
Year Two
The second year allows increased flexibility in rotation choices with a stronger focus on independent clinical decision-making and research.
Year Three
This year is aimed at transitioning fellows into their future careers, whether they are pursuing subspecialty training or clinical practice, with an emphasis on advanced training and research completion.
Conferences and Educational Opportunities
The program offers extensive educational initiatives, including:
- Weekly didactic lectures covering a spectrum of cardiovascular topics.
- Participation in core curriculum conferences, imaging conferences, and case conferences.
- A monthly Journal Club and semi-annual research conferences for presenting fellows' research.
- Opportunities for attending and presenting at national conferences supported by travel funding.
Research and Academic Engagement
Fellows are encouraged to engage in research activities tailored to their interests, with the expectation of presenting findings at national meetings. Program faculty support fellows in their scholarly activities and foster an environment of academic achievement.
Visa Support and Application Competitiveness
The program is committed to fostering diversity and supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, including H-1B and J-1 visa types, making it accessible to a wider range of applicants. The fellowship is competitive, welcoming applicants from both DO and IMG backgrounds, enhancing the diversity of its fellows.
Unique Aspects of the Program
The fellowship emphasizes work-life balance, encouraging fellows to engage not only in rigorous medical training but also in the surrounding community and regional culture. This balance contributes significantly to fellows' overall well-being and professional satisfaction.
Website
Director
Mark W Sheldon, MDProfessor and Program Director Appointed Since January 2011Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$69,082First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
2Location
Albuquerque, NM
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque, NM is a city rich in culture and history. Here is a breakdown of what it's like living in Albuquerque:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Albuquerque has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's essential to research specific neighborhoods for safety.
- Fun Activities: Albuquerque offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and hot air ballooning. The city also has a vibrant arts scene and hosts numerous cultural events throughout the year.
- Climate: Albuquerque experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout the day.
- Races and Population: Albuquerque has a diverse population with a mix of Hispanic, Native American, White, and other ethnicities.
- Education: Albuquerque is home to the University of New Mexico, providing educational opportunities and contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Albuquerque is relatively low compared to other major cities, making it an attractive option for residents.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Albuquerque is about a 4-hour drive from Phoenix, AZ, and a 6-hour drive from Denver, CO. These cities offer additional cultural and entertainment options.
Pros: Rich culture, diverse population, lower cost of living.
Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, temperature fluctuations.
Interview Questions
