Emory's Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program is a one year ACGME-accredited fellowship program started by Andreas Gruentzig. Interventional fellows have the option to apply for a second year of dedicated training in structural or complex coronary/CTO interventions.
Emory is renowned for its pioneering work in interventional cardiology and has maintained its reputation as one of the preeminent training centers in the world. Approximately 2,500 interventional coronary procedures are performed annually at four Emory hospitals, encompassing 10 catheterization laboratories. Emory is a hub for complex coronary and structural interventions with one of the busiest CTO and structural intervention programs in the country. Emory Healthcare is a site for several in-person and televised courses including live cases broadcasted to major interventional conferences. Emory is routinely selected as a site for innovative multicenter clinical trials in the fields of coronary and structural interventions, coronary imaging and physiology, and pulmonary embolism treatment.
Interventional fellows actively participate as primary operators in complex coronary, peripheral, and pulmonary interventions. By the end of the year, the interventional fellows are typically independent in:
- Complex interventions--left main and multivessel PCI, and rotational/laser atherectomy
- Management of STEMI and cardiogenic shock
- Large bore arterial access
- Mechanical circulatory support
- Intravascular imaging (IVUS/OCT) and physiology
- Pulmonary embolism interventions including large bore aspiration and catheter directed lytic therapy
- Peripheral interventions
- Basic CTO interventions (antegrade wire escalation, simple retrograde cases.)
Additionally, fellows will have exposure to PFO/ASD closure and alcohol septal ablation. Proficiency in TAVR, mitral interventions, paravalvular leak closure, and complex coronary CTO interventions require an additional year of training.
Program Structure
The Interventional Cardiology training program is integrally affiliated with and is a component of the ACGME-accredited Cardiovascular Disease Subspecialty Training Program of the Emory University School of Medicine.
Four trainees are accepted each year. Trainees rotate between Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, and Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital and work with world renowned faculty. This allows for a high PCI volume, exposure to different techniques, close mentorship, and a diverse case mix.
Fellows are exposed to clinical trials, and are encouraged to participate in research. They are expected to take part in quality improvement projects. They also take part in live courses and conferences with active participation in planning and execution. Fellows are expected to attend and participate in a weekly core curriculum talk and case presentation, in addition to a weekly conference on complex case discussion.
Program Prerequisites
- All applicants entering the program must have completed an ACGME-accredited cardiovascular disease training program, or its equivalent, to include complete training in diagnostic cardiac catheterization and coronary angiography
- It is preferable that applicants have an interest in research with a dedicated research experience in basic or clinical research
Program Goals
The program complies with the ACGME's six core competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice.
The program is designed to help fellows become competent in basic and advanced procedures. The high volume, case complexity and case mix gives fellows an unparalleled breadth of experience and knowledge. Upon completion of the interventional cardiology training program, fellows are expected to:
- Be clinically experienced in the diagnosis and management of patients with acute and chronic ischemic heart disease and valvular disease.
- Have developed an understanding of the indications and contraindications of coronary and peripheral interventions, and have a comprehensive understanding of the different modalities of revascularization and medical alternatives.
- Have acquired knowledge to develop the decision-making process that leads to the selection of medical therapy versus coronary revascularization.
- Have developed a clear understanding of coronary physiology, plaque morphology and composition, plaque vulnerability, lesion characterization and plaque response to intervention.
- Have developed sufficient competency to practice interventional procedures without direct supervision.
- Be able to recognize and manage procedure-related complications.
- Have acquired knowledge in post-procedure management of bleeding; groin complications; acute vessel closure; etc., and in patient education, including risk factor modification and discharge planning.
- Have acquired the skills needed for the completion and interpretation of angiograms, hemodynamics, intravascular ultrasound/OCT, Doppler, coronary flow reserve and pressure measurement.
- Comprehend and have acquired experience in cardiovascular pharmacology.
- Have learned femoral and radial cannulation for coronary and peripheral interventions
- Be able to recognize and manage all aspects of mechanical and ischemic complications
- Have acquired the necessary skills that are needed to manage acute hemodynamic resuscitation including use of vasoactive agents, use of antiarrhythmic drugs, use of thrombolytic agents, CPR, advanced life support, pericardiocentesis, mechanical support (intra-aortic balloon pump and Impella).
Faculty
George Hanzel
Spencer King
Application Information
We are participating in ERAS for positions that start on July 1, 2023. All applications are submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and all positions are filled through the match (NRMP).
Applications will be reviewed once the following documents are received:
- Completed ERAS Common Application Form
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Statement
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from the applicant’s Cardiovascular Disease fellowship Program Director
- USMLE transcripts
- ECFMG certificate (if applicable)
For further information, please contact the program coordinator: Shandala M. Monroe