Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Wake Forest University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive one-year training program designed for physicians who have completed a three-year General Cardiology fellowship. This program aims to equip fellows with the skills necessary for a successful career in Interventional Cardiology, including extensive clinical experience and procedural training.

Conducted in Winston-Salem, the fellowship accepts three fellows annually, which ensures a tailored and personalized training approach. The program highlights a commitment to producing excellent patient care while delivering robust educational experiences for fellows.

Curriculum and Training

Throughout the fellowship, participants gain exposure to a vast array of interventional procedures, allowing them to become clinically competent in a short span. Specific areas of focus include:

• Coronary Artery Disease: This includes percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for various conditions such as stable ischemic heart disease, acute coronary syndromes, and complex coronary artery disease.
• Structural and Valvular Heart Disease: Training covers transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transcather mitral valve repair (TMVR), left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), and other minimally invasive heart surgeries.
• Pulmonary Embolism Management: Fellows receive training in mechanical thrombectomy and ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis (UACDT).
• Cardiogenic Shock Management: Training incorporates mechanical circulatory support techniques, including the use of intra-aortic balloon pumps and ECMO.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatments: This includes both endovascular and surgical management options.

The program maintains a high procedural volume, with fellows completing approximately 300 stent placements, over 50 TAVRs, and numerous cases involving advanced techniques such as chronic total occlusion (CTO) interventions and mechanical support devices during their training year. This volume ensures that fellows gain practical experience necessary for independent practice in the future 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research during their training. This involves collaboration with faculty who are leaders in the field of Cardiovascular Medicine. Fellows can participate in ongoing clinical trials, quality improvement projects, and may also choose to lead their own research initiatives related to interventional cardiology 1.

Mentorship and Faculty

The fellowship prides itself on a strong mentorship model. The faculty includes nationally recognized leaders in cardiology who are committed to teaching and providing individualized guidance to fellows. These faculty members contribute to a collegial environment, which fosters collaboration and collective learning among fellows 1.

Program Benefits

Fellows at Wake Forest receive numerous benefits:

• A competitive salary based on the current PGY level.
• A generous budget for continuing medical education (CME).
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Long-term disability and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Access to on-call resources such as accommodations and meals when on duty.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is considered highly competitive, attracting applicants from top-tier institutions nationwide. To be eligible, applicants must have completed their General Cardiology fellowship and be board-eligible for Cardiovascular Disease specialty examinations. Specific requirements regarding the number of failed STEP exams or graduation years typically need to be reviewed at the point of application, as such details can influence selection criteria 1.

Visa Support

The fellowship program at Wake Forest University offers visa support for international medical graduates. The most common visa types that the program can sponsor include H-1B and J-1 visas, allowing eligible candidates to obtain the necessary legal documentation to undertake their fellowship training in the United States. The program actively encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a more enriching educational environment 1.