Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

Washington University’s Cardiovascular Division offers a comprehensive fellowship training program in cardiovascular disease within the Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital Consortium. The program is distinguished by its dual-pathway approach: the Clinical Pathway and the Investigator Pathway. These pathways allow fellows to tailor their training according to their career aspirations and personal interests.

Pathways Overview

The Clinical Pathway typically spans three years, with the option of a fourth year dedicated to specialized training in niches such as imaging or valve disease, alongside scholarly activities. Conversely, the Investigator Pathway is geared toward those who wish to engage in significant research endeavors, comprising 24 months of intensive clinical training followed by 2 to 3 years devoted entirely to investigative research. This structure aims to equip fellows with the necessary skills for both clinical practice and research excellence.

Curriculum and Rotations

All fellows undergo a similar experience during their first two years of training, which includes a range of clinical rotations focused on different aspects of cardiology. The curriculum is designed to meet the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements and prepares fellows for competencies as specified in the Core Cardiology Training Symposium (COCATS) guidelines.

First-year fellows participate in rotations that include cardiology consults, cardiac catheterization, critical care in the Cardiac Care Unit (CCU), electrophysiology, heart failure management, echocardiography, and cardiac imaging. They are also involved in a continuity clinic providing a longitudinal outpatient experience. Second-year fellows get further specialized exposure including congenital cardiology and advanced heart failure, while third-year fellows have customizable rotations to match their career aspirations.

Research and Scholarly Training

The program emphasizes research training as a fundamental component of fellowship. Fellows have access to various resources, mentoring from experienced faculty, and a structured training progression aimed at fostering qualified researchers. The fellowship encourages fellows to explore high-impact clinical questions and provides opportunities to engage in collaborative projects across multiple research centers.

A dedicated research curriculum incorporates developing individual research proposals, obtaining feedback, and managing projects with the goal of publication or presentation at national conferences.

Advanced Fellowships

In addition to the standard cardiovascular fellowship, the program offers specialized advanced fellowships in areas such as Cardio-Oncology, Interventional Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Advanced Heart Failure, Imaging, and Structural Heart Disease. Each fellowship is tailored to train fellows for specific career goals, aiming to develop leading experts in these niche areas.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The program actively encourages diversity and equity within its training environment. The faculty and administration promote an inclusive culture where fellows from all backgrounds can thrive, enhancing the learning and clinical experience for everyone involved.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements

Washington University’s Cardiovascular program is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and sponsors visas for fellowship applicants. Usually, the program supports J-1 visas, which is a common choice for international fellows. Applicants must meet specific requirements including the submission of their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and foreign graduates need to obtain ECFMG certification.

When applying, candidates are typically expected to submit a personal statement, three letters of recommendation (including one from the current program director), and a current CV. Certain prerequisites like the number of allowed failed examinations in the USMLE steps may apply, emphasizing the competitive nature of the program.

Program Settings and Competitiveness

This fellowship is considered highly competitive and attracts applicants from various backgrounds, including D.O. graduates and international medical graduates. The program leverages its partnership with seasoned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities to ensure fellows receive top-tier training and exposure. Specific requirements regarding the year of graduation may also be enforced, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for the demanding training ahead.