University of South Florida Morsani Program

The USF Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Training Program in Tampa is a one-year program designed to cultivate highly competent practitioners in the field of interventional cardiology. The program adheres to the guidelines set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and follows the procedural requirements established by the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants are required to hold a degree from an accredited North American medical school (LCME or AOA) or have full ECFMG certification. Additionally, international medical graduates seeking admission must possess a valid J-1 visa.

Successful completion of an ACGME-accredited Cardiovascular Disease fellowship is mandatory, alongside active certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS). An active Florida medical license or unlicensed physician in training status is also required. Furthermore, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, including one from the Program Director.

Program Structure

The Interventional Cardiology fellowship is structured to provide hands-on training through practical experience and didactic education. The program will commence each July and conclude in June, comprising 12 months of clinical training divided into two-month rotation blocks between the North Campus and South Campus of Tampa. The training ensures that fellows participate in a minimum of 400 interventional procedures annually, with a focus on achieving proficiency in performing at least 250 coronary interventions.

Training Sites

The fellowship incorporates training across two principal sites: the James A. Haley VA Hospital and Tampa General Hospital. The North Campus, represented by the James A. Haley VA Hospital, offers ample inpatient and outpatient procedural exposure, including vascular interventions and interventional clinic experience. The South Campus, Tampa General Hospital, provides exposure to a high volume of elective and emergency procedures, as well as opportunities to engage with structural heart disease.

Educational Program & Curriculum

The educational curriculum integrates robust didactic lectures and conferences, which occur at both campuses. Mandatory and elective conference opportunities are available, enabling fellows to engage actively in their learning. The fellowship program emphasizes continuous feedback and evaluation, with electronic evaluation systems in place to monitor competency across ACGME’s Six Core Competencies: Patient Care, Medical Knowledge, Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Professionalism, Systems-Based Practice, and Practice-Based Learning and Improvement.

Research and Academic Activity

The program encourages fellows to engage in research, administrative, leadership, and quality initiatives. This participation allows fellows to remain involved in academic projects throughout their careers, aligning with the program’s mission of fostering lifelong learning. Fellows will also have opportunities to conduct basic science or clinical research, contributing to advancements in the field.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program is supportive of international medical graduates and can sponsor a J-1 visa for eligible candidates. This provision allows international individuals to participate actively in the training process.

Competitiveness

The USF Interventional Cardiology Fellowship program is regarded as highly competitive, attracting a diverse range of applicants including U.S. graduates, international medical graduates, and DO candidates. The selection process entails matching through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), which ensures a fair and systematic approach to candidate selection.

Special Application Requirements

In addition to the general application requirements, candidates must ensure they have not exceeded the maximum number of failed STEP exams as determined by the program's admission criteria.