Embark on a transformative journey in cardiology with the Aurora Health Care Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship, a dynamic 36-month program meticulously structured to cultivate the next generation of cardiovascular experts. Hosted at the esteemed Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and Aurora Sinai Medical Center, this fellowship accepts six fellows annually into its robust and comprehensive program, renowned for its innovative approach to cardiovascular education. The cornerstone of this fellowship is its unique 13-block schedule per year, offering an intensive and focused learning experience across a broad spectrum of cardiology disciplines.
Training at Aurora St. Luke’s and Sinai Medical Centers: State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Aurora Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship provides an unparalleled training environment across two distinguished clinical campuses: Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center and Aurora Sinai Medical Center. These facilities are not merely training locations; they are epicenters of advanced cardiac care, offering fellows a rich and challenging experience that prepares them for the complexities of modern cardiology.
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center stands as a global leader in heart health innovation, recognized for pioneering treatments and patient care. Notably, St. Luke’s is home to the nation’s first and Wisconsin’s only 24/7/365 STEMI program, ensuring immediate, life-saving interventions for patients experiencing severe heart attacks. This leadership in critical cardiac care provides fellows with invaluable experience in managing acute cardiovascular emergencies and utilizing cutting-edge technologies.
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13-Block Curriculum: A Year-Round Learning Experience
The Aurora Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is distinguished by its intensive 13-block curriculum, which structures the entire 36-month program. This block schedule allows for focused immersion in each area of cardiovascular medicine, ensuring a deep and comprehensive understanding of the field. Each block is strategically designed to maximize learning and clinical exposure, providing a balanced and progressive educational pathway.
First Year Curriculum
The first year of the fellowship lays a foundational groundwork in core cardiology disciplines. Fellows rotate through critical areas, gaining essential skills and knowledge:
- St. Luke’s CICU – 2 blocks: Intensive Care Unit experience focusing on critical cardiac conditions.
- St. Luke’s Consults – 2 blocks: Developing expertise in cardiology consultations within a major medical center.
- Sinai Consults – 2 blocks: Broadening consultation experience across different patient populations at Aurora Sinai.
- St. Luke’s Echo – 2 blocks: In-depth training in echocardiography, a cornerstone of cardiac imaging.
- Electrophysiology – 1 block: Introduction to the diagnosis and management of heart rhythm disorders.
- St. Luke’s Cath Lab – 1 block: Hands-on experience in the cardiac catheterization lab, learning interventional procedures.
- Sinai Nuclear/Echo – 1 block: Integrating nuclear cardiology and echocardiography in diagnostic approaches.
- St. Lukes Nuclear – 1 block: Focused training in nuclear cardiology techniques and interpretation.
- 13th block: Divided equally into two half blocks, offering flexibility for introductory electives or further exploration in a chosen area.
Second Year Curriculum
Building upon the first year, the second year delves into more specialized and advanced areas of cardiology:
- St. Luke’s Cath lab – 4 blocks: Extended and advanced training in interventional cardiology within the catheterization lab.
- CICU – 1 block: Further experience in critical cardiac care, enhancing management skills for complex cases.
- Electrophysiology – 1 block: Deeper dive into electrophysiology, including advanced mapping and ablation techniques.
- Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant – 1 block: Specializing in the management of advanced heart failure and the intricacies of cardiac transplantation.
- Echo – 1 block: Advanced echocardiography, including 3D echo and strain imaging.
- Echo/TEE – 1 block: Training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), crucial for detailed cardiac imaging.
- St. Luke’s Nuclear – 1 block: Advanced nuclear cardiology applications and research.
- Adult Congenital Heart Disease with Dr. Tajik – 1 block: Unique opportunity to learn from a leading expert in adult congenital heart disease.
- Research – 1 block: Dedicated research block to foster academic inquiry and contribute to cardiovascular knowledge.
- Elective – 1 block: First elective block allowing for personalized learning in a chosen subspecialty.
Third Year Curriculum (Required)
The third year is designed to refine expertise and tailor training towards individual career goals, featuring a mix of required rotations and extensive elective opportunities:
- Sinai Nuclear/Echo – 1 block: Advanced nuclear and echo cardiology at Aurora Sinai.
- St. Luke’s Cath Lab – 1 block: Continued focus on interventional cardiology skills and complex procedures.
- Electrophysiology – 1 block: Advanced electrophysiology, potentially focusing on specific areas of interest.
- CICU – 1 block: Leadership role in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, managing critical patients and teams.
- St. Luke’s TEE – 1 block: Advanced training in Transesophageal Echocardiography.
- Advanced Heart Failure/Transplant – 1 block: Further specialization in heart failure and transplant cardiology.
- St Luke’s Echo/Stress Lab – 1 block: Comprehensive training in echocardiography and stress testing methodologies.
- Electives – 6 blocks: Extensive elective time, allowing fellows to deeply specialize in areas such as preventative cardiology, cardiac CT/MRI, electrophysiology, advanced heart failure, interventional cardiology, and more. Fellows are actively encouraged to design electives that align with their specific career aspirations, ensuring a personalized and impactful fellowship experience.
Faculty Publications and Scholarly Activities
The Aurora Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is committed to fostering academic excellence and innovation. Fellows are mentored by faculty who are actively involved in research, regularly publishing in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to books, and presenting at national and international conferences. This vibrant academic environment encourages fellows to participate in scholarly activities, contributing to the advancement of cardiovascular medicine and enhancing their own professional profiles. The program emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and provides ample opportunities for fellows to engage in meaningful research projects.
Competitive Salary & Benefits
Aurora Health Care recognizes the demanding nature of fellowship training and values the well-being of its fellows. The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support fellows and their families. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage for fellows and eligible dependents, ensuring access to high-quality medical care. Beyond health benefits, the program provides additional perks that contribute to a supportive and enriching fellowship experience. Detailed information on salary and benefits is readily available, reflecting Aurora’s commitment to transparency and fellow welfare.
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Apply to the Fellowship: Your Journey Starts Here
The Aurora Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship represents a significant step towards a successful career in cardiology. With its rigorous 13-block curriculum, state-of-the-art training facilities, dedicated faculty, and emphasis on both clinical excellence and scholarly activity, the program provides a robust foundation for future leaders in cardiovascular medicine. If you are a highly motivated and dedicated individual seeking comprehensive training in cardiovascular disease, we encourage you to explore the application process and requirements for the Aurora Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship. Begin your journey to cardiology excellence today.
