Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is a comprehensive two-year training program specifically designed for physicians who have completed a cardiovascular diseases fellowship. This fellowship offers extensive exposure to various electrophysiology (EP) cases, ensuring fellows graduate with robust clinical skills applicable in diverse patient scenarios.

The program aims to cultivate world-class physicians in the field of electrophysiology through a well-structured curriculum. Fellows engage in a variety of procedures including ventricular tachycardia (VT) and atrial fibrillation (AFib) ablations, lead extractions, and device implantations. They benefit from operating in an active clinical environment with three to four electrophysiology rooms running concurrently, allowing for a wealth of procedural experience. Most fellows complete around 50 lead extractions and multiple transseptal ablations during their training, providing a balanced educational experience that includes both common and complex cases. Additionally, a simulation lab enhances learning by allowing fellows to practice rare procedures in a controlled environment1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is tailored to develop critical skills through a structured approach within several specialized labs, including the Electrophysiology Lab, Pacemaker/Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Lab, Outpatient Arrhythmia Clinic, and Inpatient Consult Service. Key learning objectives in these varied settings include:

• Invasive electrophysiologic testing techniques and catheter manipulation.
• Intra-cardiac recording and programmed stimulation methods for arrhythmia management.
• Mapping and catheter ablation methods for rhythm disturbances.
• Surgical skills for PM/ICD implantation, including troubleshooting and conscious sedation techniques.

Furthermore, fellows are exposed to interdisciplinary clinical research and ongoing industry-sponsored device trials, which provide additional insights into practical applications in electrophysiology3.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of academic pursuits, allowing fellows to dedicate approximately 10% of their weekly time to research activities. This structure encourages the development of research projects, engagement in journal reviews, and participation in cardiology research conferences. Exposure to both clinical and fundamental literature helps to solidify a fellow's expertise in the latest developments in electrophysiology4.

Mentorship and Faculty

The program boasts a diverse faculty composed of nationally recognized leaders in cardiology and electrophysiology. These esteemed educators actively engage in mentorship, ensuring fellows receive guidance tailored to their professional aspirations. Weekly didactic teaching conferences further complement this mentorship, featuring a mixture of lectures and case discussions aimed at enhancing clinical decision-making skills. This supportive educational structure ultimately prepares fellows to become independent electrophysiologists ready to tackle complex procedures in their future careers1.

Application Process and Requirements

Prospective applicants must have completed a cardiovascular diseases fellowship and are required to submit specified documentation for their application, including USMLE Step I, II, and III scores, a curriculum vitae, ECFMG certification if applicable, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. This rigorous selection process ensures that candidates meet the high standards set by the program, contributing to its competitive nature. The program may be considered DO/IMG friendly, depending on individual experiences and institutional policies, although it remains competitive overall. Candidates must present strong credentials to be considered for an interview, which generally occurs between April and September4.

Visa Support

The fellowship program actively supports international medical graduates by providing visa sponsorship, enabling qualified candidates to pursue their training in a United States-based environment. The common visa types sponsored by the program include the J-1 and H-1B visas. This support facilitates a diverse cohort of fellows who contribute to the program’s rich educational and clinical environment.