Westchester Medical Center Program

Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program

The Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical Center (WMC), affiliated with New York Medical College, is designed to provide comprehensive training in interventional cardiology. The program is a one-year ACGME accredited fellowship, allowing the fellow to gain expertise in various advanced cardiac procedures.

The fellowship offers one position per year and is focused on giving fellows hands-on experience in diagnostic cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary interventions, and mechanical circulatory support therapies such as ECMO and Impella. Additionally, the trainee is actively involved in the Structural Heart Program, which includes procedures like TAVR, Mitraclip, ASD/PFO closure, and alcohol septal ablation techniques related to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Curriculum and Rotations

The educational experience for fellows includes a structured curriculum that balances clinical service with didactic learning. Fellows participate in rotations that cover both inpatient and outpatient aspects of cardiology. This includes direct involvement in the catheterization lab, where fellows acquire skills in performing interventional procedures.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral aspect of the fellowship, allowing for engagement in clinical trials and scholarly activities aligned with interventional cardiology. Fellows are encouraged to participate in research projects, contributing to ongoing studies related to heart failure, transplant cardiology, and the efficacy of new treatment methods in the field.

Training Sites

Training primarily occurs at Westchester Medical Center, a leading tertiary care facility. This location provides access to a diverse patient demographic and a range of cardiology cases varying in complexity, ensuring ample opportunity for clinical exposure.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship, particularly for the J-1 visa, and is competitive in nature. Candidates are encouraged to have completed a three-year residency in Internal Medicine followed by a three-year Cardiology fellowship, making them eligible for the interventional cardiology fellowship.

Application Requirements

Applications are accepted through the ERAS system. Candidates should have completed their residencies and cardiology fellowships prior to applying. Specific requirements include obtaining letters of recommendation and demonstrating clinical competency through standardized assessments. There may be limits on the number of allowed failed STEP exams, particularly for international medical graduates to ensure high standards of competency in medicine.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program promotes diversity and aims to be friendly towards DO as well as IMG candidates. The fellowship recognizes multicultural perspectives and strives to equip fellows with the necessary skills to provide culturally competent care.

Overall, the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at Westchester Medical Center is dedicated to developing proficient and compassionate cardiologists equipped to lead in their field, provide exceptional patient care, and engage in groundbreaking research.