University of Toledo Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Toledo is a comprehensive one-year program designed for those seeking to specialize in various interventional cardiology techniques. The program is highly competitive and accepts one fellow each year. Applications are processed exclusively through ERAS, adhering to the established July-August cycle, with interviews held in September and October in alignment with the NRMP Match Day. The fellowship is notably friendly towards both DO and IMG applicants, providing opportunities for a wide range of candidates looking to advance their training in the field of cardiology.

The program emphasizes hands-on training in coronary, structural cardiac, and peripheral vascular interventional procedures. Prior to starting the fellowship, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in internal medicine and an ACGME-accredited cardiology fellowship. Adequate proficiency in both written and spoken English is also essential. For international medical graduates, the program sponsors J-1 visas exclusively, confirming its commitment to welcome a diverse applicant pool and enhance the learning environment for all fellows.

Curriculum Structure

During the fellowship, fellows engage in a multifaceted curriculum that incorporates core educational elements across various domains of cardiology. The initial stages emphasize fundamental rotations including clinical cardiology, imaging techniques, and interventional practices. A significant part of the fellow's education is also dedicated to procedural proficiency, with typical procedural volumes achieving approximately 400 left heart catheterizations, among others, throughout the fellowship duration.

The third year of the fellowship, although primarily focused on interventional cardiology, offers substantial flexibility with opportunities for elective rotations in subspecialties such as cardiac imaging, electrophysiology, and vascular medicine. This structure allows for tailored training to cater to individual career aspirations.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

The University of Toledo's Interventional Cardiology Fellowship provides fellows with clinical exposure at two prominent sites: ProMedica Toledo Hospital and the University of Toledo Medical Center. ProMedica Toledo Hospital, with 794 beds, is the largest acute care facility in the Toledo area. It has received recognition for clinical excellence and serves a diverse patient population, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the fellowship's training.

In addition to ProMedica, the University of Toledo Medical Center, established as a teaching hospital, plays a crucial role in providing advanced training experiences for fellows. Here, fellows participate in the latest clinical trials and have access to state-of-the-art facilities that further enhance their educational journey.

Research Opportunities

Research is integral to the fellowship, with dedicated time allocated for fellows to engage in scholarly activities. The University provides a collaborative environment that emphasizes evidence-based medicine, allowing fellows to contribute to ongoing studies or initiate their own research projects. The relationship with the University of Toledo enhances the ability to access resources and support for conducting research, which is vital for both academic and clinical advancement.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows in the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship benefit from an array of support services, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Each fellow is entitled to 20 days of earned time off, 15 days of sick leave, and 10 paid holidays per year. Furthermore, fellows have access to five days of Continuing Medical Education (CME) opportunities, ensuring they remain abreast of advancements in the field.

Living in Toledo

Toledo, located near the shores of Lake Erie in northwest Ohio, offers a vibrant city life for residents and fellows. The metropolitan area supports a diverse population and hosts various cultural, recreational, and dining activities. Cost of living is notably affordable, with many safe neighborhoods situated within a 10-20 minute commute to the hospital facilities.

The presence of The University of Toledo enhances the local academic environment, providing additional educational opportunities such as the option to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree concurrently with fellowship training. Furthermore, fellows benefit from the city's recreational offerings, including proximity to amusement parks, nature trails, and cultural institutions.