UPMC Medical Education Program
Location:
Pittsburgh, PASpecialty:
Pediatric cardiologyACGME Code:
3254111043The UPMC Medical Education Program in Pediatric Cardiology offers an extensive fellowship aimed at training skilled pediatric cardiologists ready for careers in academic medicine. This fellowship integrates clinical excellence with comprehensive educational and research opportunities, preparing fellows to manage complex heart conditions in infants and children.
Program Structure and Goals
The fellowship spans three years, during which the fellows will gain a comprehensive knowledge base and various clinical and technical skills required for diagnosing and treating congenital and acquired heart diseases in pediatric populations. This program is accredited by the ACGME and focuses on multiple critical aspects of pediatric cardiology, including clinical care, research, and education.
The objectives of the fellowship program include enabling trainees to become proficient in diagnostic and therapeutic areas of pediatric cardiology, engaging them in research methodology, and developing the skills necessary for leading clinical investigations.
Clinical Training
Pediatric cardiology fellows under UPMC participate in a robust clinical training regimen, rotating through essential subspecialty areas. The areas covered in the fellowship include:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiac Critical Care
- Electrophysiology
- Echocardiography
- Preventative cardology
- Congenital Heart Disease management
Fellows regularly engage with a diverse patient population, from neonates requiring intensive care to adolescents transitioning to adult care. The cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) provides an essential setting for hands-on training, including management of patients pre- and post-surgery and those on mechanical support like ECMO.
Curriculum and Didactics
The educational experience encompasses formal didactic instruction throughout the fellowship duration. The core curriculum includes:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Electrophysiology
- Echocardiographic techniques
- Preventative cardiology strategies
Fellows attend various weekly conferences aimed at discussing cases, research topics, and literature. An essential tool that supplements learning is the world-renowned Heart Museum, which showcases over 2,300 specimens of congenital and acquired diseases.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages fellows to partake in both clinical and basic science research. This includes projects that may focus on developmental cardiovascular biology, heart failure, and transplantation immunology. Fellows are expected to produce publishable research and present findings at professional meetings, thus integrating an academic element into their clinical training.
Rotation Schedule
The rotation schedule is designed to offer fellows a tailored experience based on personal interests and needs. Night and weekend call is managed on a rotating basis among fellows, ensuring that workloads are fair and educationally beneficial.
Application Process
The application process is initiated through ERAS, requiring applicants to submit medical school transcripts, a dean's letter, USMLE scores, and letters of recommendation. Both U.S. citizens and international medical graduates may apply, with particular emphasis placed on having completed a pediatric residency program prior to fellowship.
Visa Sponsorship
The UPMC program provides visa support for qualified applicants. It sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates, facilitating a broad and diverse range of candidates to join the fellowship.
Competitiveness and Diversity
The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program is committed to inclusivity and actively seeks to recruit fellows from diverse backgrounds, supporting a wide range of perspectives in pediatric cardiology.
Website
Director
Mark G DeBrunner, MDAssociate Professor of Pediatrics, Program Director Appointed Since September 2012Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
28hrsFirst Year Salary:
$74,323First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.9XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Pittsburgh, PA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Pittsburgh has a slightly higher-than-average crime rate compared to the national average. However, specific neighborhoods within the city vary in safety levels, so it's advisable to research the area where you'll be living.
- Fun Activities: Pittsburgh is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, sports events, numerous parks, and outdoor recreational opportunities along its three rivers.
- Climate: Pittsburgh experiences all four seasons, with cold winters, warm summers, and beautiful fall foliage.
- Races and Population: Pittsburgh is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The city has a population of around 300,000 people.
- Education: Pittsburgh is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Pittsburgh is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the US, particularly in terms of housing.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Pittsburgh is approximately a 5-hour drive from Philadelphia and a 6-hour drive from New York City. Both cities offer diverse cultural experiences, entertainment, and employment opportunities.
- Pros: Vibrant arts and culture scene, affordable cost of living, beautiful outdoor scenery.
- Cons: Slightly higher crime rate in some areas, cold winters.
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