University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The 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.