The first year of fellowship is devoted to clinical training. Rotations consist of 13 four-week blocks, which occur at both University Hospital and the VA and include:
Outpatient continuity clinic begins in the first year and continues throughout the duration of training. Fellows have clinic one-half day per week, alternating between the University and VA.
The second year of training involves similar rotations but with more flexibility in scheduling desired rotations and an emphasis on independent decision-making in clinical care settings. More research time is allotted with the expectation of preparing and submitting an abstract and article for peer review during the third year of fellowship. Participation in national conferences is expected, and funding for travel is provided.
The third year of training is designed to transition from fellowship to future career plans, whether that is further subspecialty training, an academic career, or clinical practice. There is an emphasis on completing rotations to achieve COCATS level 2 training in desired aspects of cardiology, as well as completion of the research requirements as outlined above. Fellows are expected to further develop their independent decision-making and teaching abilities. Focused training in future career plans is available for fellows who wish to pursue it. Historically, all fellows become COCATS level 2 trained in the major disciplines within cardiovascular medicine.
