UPMC Medical Education Program

The UPMC Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship program is designed to equip future leaders in the field with the necessary knowledge and skills in a supportive and flexible environment. The program aims to produce outstanding clinicians who can pursue a variety of career paths, including research and education, tailored according to the individual interests of the fellows.

This fellowship features exceptional clinical training facilitated by highly experienced faculty. The program includes access to nine academic electrophysiologists and six state-of-the-art electrophysiology (EP) labs, where a high volume of complex ablation procedures, device implants, and LAA closures are performed. The focus on procedural training ensures that fellows acquire the hands-on experience they require to be competitive upon completion of their fellowship.1

Clinical Training

The clinical training within the UPMC EP Fellowship is robust. Fellows rotate through the EP labs situated at the UPMC Presbyterian, Shadyside, and Passavant campuses. This rotation is complemented by daily clinical rounds, mentorship in clinical management of patients with complex arrhythmias, and an outpatient clinic experience, which provides one additional day per week. The training emphasizes advanced ablation techniques, including those performed without fluoroscopy, as well as various device management procedures.1

Research Training

An essential component of the fellowship is the involvement in research. Fellows are expected to identify research projects of interest, with guidance from faculty mentors. The opportunity exists for fellows to publish in a range of areas including basic science, clinical research, and epidemiologic studies, providing a well-rounded research background that can establish a solid foundation for their future careers. Monthly research conferences are part of the curriculum, where fellows are expected to present their findings.1

Facilities and Locations

The training sites include UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Shadyside, part of an integrated health system recognized for its high volume and complexity of cases in cardiac electrophysiology. UPMC Presbyterian is a major adult tertiary-care hospital and Level I Trauma Center, serving as a primary referral center in the region. This prime location affords fellows exposure to a diverse patient population presenting a broad spectrum of cardiac conditions, from simple cases to complex ventricular arrhythmias, ensuring a rich clinical experience.1

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applications to the UPMC Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship are accepted from candidates who will have completed a three-year ACGME-accredited cardiovascular disease fellowship before the program commences. A thorough evaluation process includes a review of the complete application, with selections based on character, leadership potential, and research productivity. Interviews are conducted in a virtual format, contributing to an efficient selection process. The program is competitive but remains DO/IMG friendly, welcoming applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.2

Visa Support

The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, supporting J-1 and H-1B visa applications. This provision enables qualified candidates from abroad to pursue their training and career aspirations within the United States.2

Special Features

The Educational environment within the program is highly cooperative, with daily protected teaching conferences and active participation from pediatric electrophysiology colleagues from the Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. The fellowship promotes an exceptional learning atmosphere, characterized by collegial support, significant educational resources, and opportunities for personal growth and career development, laying the groundwork for a successful future in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.1