University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program
Location:
Dallas, TXSpecialty:
Interventional cardiologyACGME Code:
1524813152The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is a dedicated one-year training program designed to provide comprehensive education and hands-on experience in various aspects of interventional cardiology. The fellowship covers a wide range of percutaneous coronary and peripheral arterial interventions, as well as procedures for congenital and structural heart disease. An emphasis is placed on the clinical management of patients before and after interventional procedures.
Education is delivered through a combination of direct involvement during procedures and structured weekly sessions that encompass case reviews, didactic teachings, and journal club literature reviews. The program fosters academic opportunities, including both teaching and research, which are strongly encouraged throughout the fellowship year. 1
Clinical Rotations and Training Sites
The 12-month training program is structured around monthly rotations at two primary teaching hospitals: Parkland Memorial Hospital and the Dallas Veterans Administration Medical Center. These institutions serve as training sites where interventional fellows participate actively in all interventions, thereby acquiring essential skills towards achieving certification-level proficiency. The training encompasses a broad spectrum of revascularization techniques, such as angioplasty, stent implantation, and various forms of atherectomy, ensuring competency in these critical procedures.1
In addition to technical skills, fellows receive training in advanced imaging techniques, including intravascular and intracardiac ultrasound, along with optical coherence tomography. Fellows can expect to perform a minimum of 500 interventional procedures during their training, which not only includes technical proficiency but also encompasses the management of a cardiac lab team and instructional duties in an academic environment.1
Research and Academic Opportunities
The fellowship experience is enriched by robust involvement in ongoing clinical research trials at the clinical practice sites, where fellows are required to engage in an individual project supervised by a faculty mentor. This experiential learning supports fellows through exposure to emerging technologies and procedural research, with the aim of preparing them for board eligibility for the American Board of Internal Medicine in Interventional Cardiology.1
Application Requirements
Candidates aspiring to join this fellowship must fulfill specific prerequisites, which include the completion of an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency followed by a three-year ACGME-accredited fellowship in general cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, candidates must possess current certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in internal medicine and must be board-eligible in cardiovascular disease. The program typically accepts two fellows each academic year, and offers are typically made six months prior to the start date.1
Competitiveness and Diversity of Candidates
The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at UT Southwestern is known for its competitive nature. The program values diversity in its applicant pool and is open to candidates from various backgrounds, including those holding degrees from DO or international medical schools. This inclusivity presents a unique opportunity for Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) candidates and international medical graduates (IMG) to advance their careers in cardiology within a respected institution.1
Visa Support
For international applicants, the UT Southwestern Medical Center offers visa sponsorship support for J-1 or H-1B visas necessary for fellows from abroad to pursue their training in the program. This support system facilitates a smoother transition for international medical graduates aspiring to gain valuable training and experience in interventional cardiology.1
Website
Director
Tayo A Addo, MDAssociate Professor, Program Director Appointed Since November 2011 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$88,055First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Dallas, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Dallas, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Dallas has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. It's essential to research the specific area where you plan to live to ensure safety.
- Fun Activities: Dallas offers a diverse range of activities such as museums, parks, sports events, vibrant nightlife, and delicious dining options.
- Climate: Dallas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity during summer months.
- Races and Population: Dallas is a diverse city with a significant population of Hispanic, African American, and White residents.
- Education: Dallas is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities to residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Dallas is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Dallas is approximately a 4-hour drive from Houston and a 3-hour drive from Austin. Both cities offer unique cultural experiences and amenities.
- Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, affordable cost of living.
- Cons: Traffic congestion, humid summers, safety concerns in some neighborhoods.
Interview Questions
