University of Pennsylvania Health System Program
Specialty:
Adult congenital heart diseaseACGME Code:
1534114001The Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center, a collaborative initiative between Penn Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, stands as a leader in the treatment and management of adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). This program is notable for its comprehensive, patient-centered approach, offering state-of-the-art care through a fully accredited facility recognized by the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) for its superior expertise in the field.
Program Overview
The Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center is the only specialized adult congenital heart center in the region, receiving more outpatient visits annually than any other program across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware. The program specializes in treating adults with unique treatment needs, reflecting the complex nature of their congenital heart conditions. With an annual patient volume exceeding 2,000, the center provides unparalleled experience in managing this patient population. The expert team is dedicated to ensuring optimal health outcomes and quality of life for each patient.
1Curriculum and Training
The program's curriculum is structured around intensive clinical training in adult congenital heart disease, recognizing the specificity of care required for this unique patient population. The educational environment promotes a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, allowing participants to engage in innovative treatment approaches. The center collaborates with other specialists in cardiac care, ensuring a multidisciplinary training approach that enhances learning outcomes. This is crucial given the limited number of cardiologists in the country specializing in adult congenital heart disease, making the program an essential hub for both patient care and education.
1Rotations and Clinical Experience
Role rotations within the program are crafted for in-depth exposure to various aspects of congenital heart disease management. Participants in the program will rotate through diverse components of the care continuum, including pre-operative assessments, surgical interventions, and post-operative rehabilitation, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the patient care pathway. The clinical experience is complemented by access to sophisticated technology and treatment techniques relevant to congenital heart disease.
4Research Opportunities
The Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center encourages engagement in research that focuses on advancing knowledge and treatment strategies in congenital heart disease. Participants will have opportunities to collaborate on clinical trials and studies aimed at exploring innovative therapies, effectively contributing to the broader knowledge base surrounding this specialized area of cardiology.
4Visa Support
The program offers visa support for international medical graduates who wish to undergo training in adult congenital heart disease. Visa options may include J-1 and H-1B sponsorship, facilitating participation for qualified candidates from abroad who bring unique perspectives to the program.
3Competitiveness and Application Requirements
Admission to the Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center is competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates including DOs, IMGs, and US MD graduates. The application process requires candidates to meet specific prerequisites such as clinical experience in cardiology and relevant educational background. Candidates should be prepared to provide complete applications, detailing their medical history and qualifications, alongside any required documentation to demonstrate eligibility. Noteworthy is that the program may consider applicants with specific performance on licensing examinations while providing guidelines on acceptable ranges.
4Patient-Centered Care Approach
The program emphasizes compassionate and individualized care tailored to each patient's unique path. The team includes highly trained cardiologists, nurses, and support staff who understand the complexities surrounding congenital heart disease. They focus not just on medical treatment, but on holistic patient education, mental well-being, and the management of non-cardiac issues that patients with congenital heart disease might face.
1Comprehensive Patient Services
In addition to standard treatments, the center offers specialized services such as family planning, pregnancy care tailored for expectant patients with congenital heart disease, and advanced therapies like cardiac transplantation. Collaborative relationships with maternal-fetal specialists ensure comprehensive care during critical phases of maternal health.
4The combination of experienced professionals, an extensive array of services, and a commitment to research makes the Philadelphia Adult Congenital Heart Center a distinct and valuable program for individuals seeking training in adult congenital heart disease management.
4Website
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Director
Sumeet S Vaikunth, MDProgram Director, Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship Appointed Since September 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
50 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
10 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$107,553First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:
2.5XResidents Career Path
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Philadelphia, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Philadelphia, PA:
Philadelphia, PA is a vibrant city with a rich historical background and a diverse cultural scene. Here are some aspects to consider when living in Philadelphia for your medical residency program:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Philadelphia has some high-crime neighborhoods, so it's essential to be aware of your surroundings. However, the city has been improving its safety measures in recent years.
- Fun Activities: Philadelphia offers a wide range of activities, from visiting historical sites like Independence Hall to enjoying the arts and culture in museums and theaters.
- Climate: Philadelphia experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snowfall during the winter months.
- Races and Population: Philadelphia is a diverse city with a mix of racial and ethnic groups, making it a welcoming and inclusive place to live.
- Education: Philadelphia is home to several universities and colleges, offering opportunities for continued education and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Philadelphia is moderate compared to other major cities on the East Coast. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Other Cities: Philadelphia is within driving distance to cities like New York City (around 2 hours) and Washington, D.C. (around 2.5 hours), making it easy to explore other urban centers.
- Pros: Rich history, diverse culture, strong healthcare institutions, vibrant arts scene.
- Cons: Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, winters can be cold and snowy.