University of Rochester Program

Program Overview

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program at the University of Rochester is designed to train master clinicians who are prepared to provide comprehensive cardiac care across diverse patient populations. The program operates within the University of Rochester Medical Center/Strong Memorial Hospital, a prominent quaternary care facility.

The program has the capability to train 17 fellows, with a recent 10-year ACGME site visit highlighting its operational quality with no citations identified. The facility boasts a large faculty comprising over 50 clinical and research specialists in various fields within cardiology, emphasizing advanced imaging, critical care, mechanical support, advanced heart failure and heart transplant, interventional cardiology among others 1.

Fellowship Structure

This is a three-year training program, during which fellows complete core rotations that include inpatient services such as consultations, heart center, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, and cardiovascular intensive care units. Fellows also engage in dedicated procedure blocks in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, ensuring they gain hands-on experience with high-volume procedures that cover a wide variety of cardiac interventions.

The curriculum emphasizes a balance of clinical training and research, with fellows having the opportunity to tailor their educational pursuits to align with their individual career goals through innovative tracks designed to enhance their elective time 3.

Research Opportunities

The University of Rochester is home to a variety of basic and clinical research initiatives, particularly within the Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center and the Heart Research Follow-up Program. Fellows can engage in substantial clinical research opportunities, particularly in arrhythmias and cardiovascular devices 6.

The program has been noted for its significant contributions to clinical trials, including the leading MADIT series, which is pivotal for treating lethal arrhythmias. The Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) also provides facilities for fellows interested in basic science projects, including studies focused on vascular biology and ion channel research 6.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program, along with the University of Rochester, maintains a strong commitment to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Emphasis is placed on recruiting and retaining a workforce that accurately reflects the society it serves. This is achieved through mentoring and training resources targeted at supporting underrepresented groups 4.

Fellow Life

Fellows in the program benefit from a collegial and supportive environment that extends beyond professional training into social interactions. Regular informal gatherings and semi-annual social events promote a strong sense of camaraderie among fellows and faculty. The fellows' room is equipped with amenities to foster relaxation and interaction, further enhancing the quality of life during training 8.

Application and Competitiveness

To be considered for the program, applicants must have completed an internal medicine residency from an ACGME-accredited institution. The program does not impose a maximum cap on STEP exam failures for candidates, making it relatively accessible, including for international medical graduates (IMGs). However, detailed selection criteria include the submission of a personal statement and letters of recommendation through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Selection is competitive, with the application undergoing thorough faculty review during the interview phase 5.

Visa Support

The program supports a variety of visa types for prospective fellows, facilitating opportunities for international trainees interested in applying. Specific operational details regarding the visa process may vary.

Training Sites

The primary site for training is Strong Memorial Hospital, which is equipped to provide extensive inpatient and outpatient cardiological services, reinforced by a strong faculty committed to education and mentorship. The facility is recognized nationally for its comprehensive cardiac care program, further elevated by advanced imaging technologies and specialized teams for heart failure, mechanistic support, and transplantation 1.

Conclusion

The University of Rochester Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship Program presents a robust training environment characterized by extensive clinical exposure, innovative research opportunities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an unparalleled community support system that enhances both personal and professional growth.