Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is meticulously designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to interpret, diagnose, and treat cardiovascular diseases comprehensively over a three-year training period. This fellowship not only fosters robust clinical training but also emphasizes academic growth and research experience through a structured curriculum.

Program Overview

The Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship program aims to cultivate outstanding cardiologists through exposure to a variety of clinical settings, advanced diagnostic techniques, and progressive therapies, all under the guidance of distinguished faculty and a collegial heart team approach to patient care. The program includes a balanced mix of hands-on educational experiences and standardized didactic sessions.

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows embark upon a rigorous curriculum, fulfilling the requirements established by the Council of Cardiovascular Training (COCATS). Each fellow completes 13 four-week rotation blocks annually, culminating in intensive training that spans various subspecialties such as interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure, and imaging modalities. The primary goal during these rotations is to instill independence in clinical assessments and management strategies across various patient populations.

Rotation Structure

Rotational training is structured to ensure a gradual increase in responsibility and knowledge accumulation. Key rotations include:

• Cardiology Continuity Clinic: Weekly outpatient responsibilities.
• Inpatient Cardiovascular Service: Direct patient care for multiple months.
• Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: Hands-on experience with diagnostic and interventional procedures.
• Echocardiography: Focus on imaging techniques and interpretation.
• CV-ICU: Critical care experience in a specialized environment.
• VA Rotation: Exposure to a wide variety of cases in a unique setting.

Research Opportunities

Fellows at Wake Forest are encouraged to engage in research, which includes a protected six-month period of research dedicated to their chosen projects. Collaboration with faculty mentors fosters a stimulating academic environment focused on innovation in cardiovascular medicine. The program is particularly committed to training fellows in research methodologies, including those aiming to pursue a career as physician-scientists.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is highly competitive, typically attracting a pool of strong candidates from diverse backgrounds, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and those holding DO degrees. Applicants are required to have completed a residency in Internal Medicine at an ACGME-accredited institution and will need to submit USMLE or COMLEX scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation during their application.

Visa Support

Wake Forest University provides comprehensive visa support for eligible international applicants seeking to train in the United States. This program sponsors J-1 Visa and H-1B Visa types for qualified fellows, helping facilitate their transition into residency training.

Program Benefits and Fellow Life

As part of the fellowship, fellows receive a competitive salary, generous continuing medical education (CME) budget, comprehensive health insurance, and access to an Employee Assistance Program. The life of a fellow at Wake Forest extends beyond clinical duties, with opportunities to engage in a rich resident and fellow community, including events and wellness activities designed to promote a balanced lifestyle while training.

Fellows also have the chance to attend important cardiovascular conferences, showcasing their research and clinical experiences, ensuring they remain at the forefront of advancements within the field.

Diversity and Inclusion

Wake Forest is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment within its fellowship program. The Women in Cardiology initiative explicitly recognizes and promotes the role of female faculty and trainees, showcasing diverse leadership opportunities across various specialties in cardiovascular medicine.