Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

About the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship program is meticulously designed to train fellows in utilizing percutaneous techniques to address both coronary and peripheral vascular diseases, while also providing essential exposure to the percutaneous treatment of structural heart diseases. This one-year program is overseen by a highly experienced board-certified staff and is structured to include two fellowship spots annually, starting from 2024.

The training experience is diverse and robust, including weekly didactic sessions and case conferences, journal clubs, morbidity and mortality (M&M) meetings, and morning case reviews where fellows engage closely with faculty to discuss treatment indications, potential risks, and benefits. Each fellow benefits from personalized learning through one-on-one faculty interactions during procedures, while also taking on teaching responsibilities for diagnostic cardiology fellows and other educational groups.

Facilities

The VCU Medical Center boasts four state-of-the-art catheterization laboratories which include one biplane lab, one lab with operating room capabilities, and two traditional coronary laboratories, all equipped for advanced digital functionalities and linked to an archival device for easy retrieval of past studies. The Veterans Affairs Medical Center complements this offering with two additional digital labs with modern acquisition and archival systems.

Both institutions have integrated cardiac surgery and heart transplant programs, allowing fellows to gain comprehensive exposure to advanced cardiac care including services like destination left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) and Total Artificial Hearts.

Training Curriculum and Conferences

The curriculum includes a variety of essential topics tailored for interventional cardiology. Weekly case and didactic conferences take place, involving not only faculty and fellows from interventional cardiology but also general cardiology fellows and occasionally cardiac surgeons, thereby fostering a multi-disciplinary learning environment. Key areas covered include radiation safety, vascular access techniques, complex interventional pharmacotherapies, and various interventional strategies for coronary and peripheral vascular diseases.

Research and Scholarship Opportunities

Active engagement in scholarly activities is a program requirement. While clinical responsibilities are considerable and the fellowship only lasts for one year, opportunities exist for engaging in quality improvement projects, case reports, and presenting at various academic meetings. The fellowship emphasizes research within fields such as coronary interventions and structural heart disease.

Additionally, funding is available from the Department of Internal Medicine to support fellows' travel expenses for presenting research at national and international meetings. The fellows are also afforded time off to attend key conferences like the SCAI Fellows Course.

Call, Coverage, and Well-Being

Fellow work-life balance is an important consideration within the program. Each fellow is entitled to three weeks of vacation annually. For STEMI calls, fellows typically cover one week at a time and are expected to manage only a few calls weekly, making this aspect of the fellowship manageable. Weekend coverage aligns with the same fellow responsible for the week’s calls, further promoting continuity of patient care.

The GME Physician Well-being program at VCU is committed to ensuring that fellows maintain their well-being and resilience throughout their training.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The program seeks candidates who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as U.S. citizenship or a valid J1 Visa. Notably, the program does not accept H-1 Visa holders. Applicants must complete three years of ACGME-accredited residency in internal medicine and be on track to finish an ACGME-accredited Cardiology Fellowship. All prospective fellows must apply through ERAS and gain fit for the NRMP match.

Required application documents, in addition to those typically submitted via ERAS, include a Virginia medical license (if applicable), ECFMG certificate, and notarized copies of visas or diplomas. The preference is for candidates who have previously completed a cardiology fellowship.

Program Competitiveness

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at VCU is viewed as highly competitive, attracting a diverse and skilled pool of applicants. Those holding strong backgrounds in internal medicine and who demonstrate a keen interest in interventional cardiology will position themselves as favorable candidates.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to support J1 Visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. Applicants are required to have either U.S. citizenship or a valid J1 Visa at the time of application; the program does not consider H-1 Visas under any circumstances.

Life in Richmond (RVA)

Richmond, often affectionately referred to as RVA, is known for its vibrant culture and community. VCU’s location within the heart of this city allows fellows to experience a harmonious blend of professional training and personal growth during their fellowship period.