Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship
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Program Overview
Objectives of the Fellowship
Our fellowship program offers the entire breadth of clinical exposure from ICU, post-LVAD/transplant floors, cardiac catheterization lab, dedicated HF IMU and outpatient clinic setting. Specialized aspects of our clinical training, in addition to MCS/transplant, include pulmonary hypertension, cardiac amyloidosis, multi-organ transplant (heart-liver, heart-lung, and heart-kidney), cardio-oncology and HFpEF. Our program is unique in a sense that fellows rotating through the cardiac catheterization lab receive hands-on training in implantation of the CardioMEMS device and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement via a novel approach utilizing axillary artery access. This is in addition to the ample amount of exposure provided in performing endomyocardial biopsies, coronary angiography and invasive hemodynamic studies including exercise right heart catheterizations, constriction-restriction studies and LVAD speed optimization studies using concomitant RHC and TTE.We also have primary focus on fellow education with incorporation of a formal didactic series dedicated to advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology that is imparted throughout the academic year. All advanced heart failure fellows participate in at least one original research project pertaining to their interest and are an integral part of our ongoing research efforts including our prominent involvement in ongoing national clinical trials in heart failure. Currently, we consistently perform over 100 interventions for end stage HF including, on average, approximately 65 LVADs and 45 heart and/ or heart multi-organ transplants per year.
In summary, we prepare fellows for an academic career in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology who we hope will eventually be future leaders in the field of heart failure.
History of Excellence in Clinical Training and Education
The Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology faculty are dedicated to education and research. In addition to leading a robust Didactic College, faculty and fellows all participate actively in scholarly activity and research. The Houston Methodist Department of Cardiology also offers the following symposiums held annually on campus:Houston Heart Failure Summit
This annual Heart Failure Summit is designed to provide a comprehensive update on prevention, diagnosis and management of heart failure. Experts in the field present topics and engage in panel discussions and case-based presentations. The one-day session will cover the most recent novel treatments for chronic heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and hospital admissions. Participants will be given the tools to take part in the goal of improving the care of patients with heart failure. Learn More >
Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Transplant Center: Frontiers in Organ Failure and Transplant Management Conference
The Houston Methodist J.C. Walter Jr. Transplant Center continues its collaboration with Houston Methodist Global Health Care Services to invite distinguished speakers from around the world to the George P. Noon Conference. This program provides an innovative view on the international epidemic of organ failure, and on the strategies of how it is managed around the world. Learn More >
Cutting Edge Research
The Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology team continues dedicated research in original investigation areas including heart failure disease management, advanced heart failure, post-heart transplant and LVAD-related with 15-20 projects ongoing each year. The division is also involved in significant multi-center trials. The entire multidisciplinary team meets weekly to discuss this original research, discuss established studies and evaluate potential heart failure studies based on multiple variables.State-of-the-Art Facilities
Houston Methodist Hospital is a 915-bed acute-care referral hospital with a historical emphasis on cardiovascular disease. The facilities include a 56-bed postoperative cardiovascular ICU and an 18-bed CCU, as well as state-of-the-art laboratories and procedural facilities. The cardiology procedure facilities include designated catheterization laboratories with stereotaxis and robotic technology, two cardiac MRI suites, and state-of-the-art echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and computed tomography (CT) laboratories.In August 2018, Houston Methodist opened a new 22-story building named Walter Tower, with nearly 1 million square feet, to include sophisticated cardiovascular surgical suites specially designed for highly technical and minimally invasive image-guided heart procedures. The building features 14 heart catheterization labs with expanded space and MRI and CT conveniently located next to postop rooms, and a helipad that will give emergency personnel direct access to the OR, cath lab and intensive care units.
Eligibility and Application
Selection Process
To be considered for The Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology Fellowship Program, certain requirements must be met:
Criteria
- Must apply via the Electronic Residency Applicant Service (ERAS) and must enroll in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP)
- Be of good professional character with at least three letters of recommendation attesting to your academic and personal qualifications
- Graduate of a U.S. or Canadian Medical School accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME), or a medical school outside the United States and Canada with a current valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
- Graduate of an ACGME-accredited or RCPSC-accredited (Canadian) three-year cardiovascular disease training program
- All applicants must have taken and passed all three steps of USMLE exams (first attempt preferred). DO graduates must have taken and passed all three steps of COMLEX USA.
- American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)-board certified in internal medicine and board-eligible in cardiology by completion of cardiology fellowship
- Applicants must be eligible for licensure (Physician in Training or Full License) by the Texas Medical Board
- Valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate for all foreign medical graduates
- Our program sponsors J1 visas. If you are an J1 visa holder, you must be eligible for one year of training at the beginning of the fellowship.
- Training is from July 1 through June 30 (no exceptions)
Houston Methodist is committed to improving the health of our patients, employees, and communities around us. As a health care provider, it’s our responsibility to promote a healthier environment for our employees.
Responsibility
- Drug and Tobacco Screening- Job seekers will be tested for nicotine and drug usage during the post-offer physical. If a job seeker tests positive for nicotine use, including nicotine gum and patches, the offer will be rescinded, and individuals will be given the opportunity to participate in a free Houston Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program. Job seekers wishing to reapply after testing positive for nicotine may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was rescinded. If the job seeker tests positive for drug use, the offer will be rescinded. Job seekers wishing to reapply after the drug screening is positive may do so one year after the date the initial offer was rescinded.
- Background Check - Prior to employment start date, job seekers must complete a criminal background check.
Selection Process
Three (3) fellows are selected from a highly competitive field of applicants for the training program. Fellows are selected from among eligible applicants on the basis of their ability, academic credentials, aptitude, communication skills, intellectual and humanistic qualities, personal attributes (such as motivation and integrity), preparedness, and their ability to benefit from the program. These qualities may be accessed through the review of academic records, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores and other means, including interviews. The department does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation or veteran status. Interviewing is conducted each Fall.
Our Team
Houston Methodist’s Department of Cardiology is made up of prominent physicians who are internationally recognized for their contributions to patient care. Through education and training they have been able to develop new treatments improve heart health for patients around the world.
The Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology faculty at Houston Methodist provide innovative medical and state-of-the art surgical solutions for patients with heart failure and long-term co-management care for transplant recipient. Learn more >
Program Director
Imad Hussain, MD
Faculty
Arvind Bhimaraj, MD, MPH, FACC
Nadia Fida, MD, FACC
Janardhana Gorthi, MD
Ashrith Guha, MD, MPH, FACC
Mahwash Kassi, MD
Ju Kim, MD
Sapna Legha, MD
Rayan Yousefzai, MD
Cleveland Clinic (IM)
UT Health Houston (CARD)
Hamad Medical Corporation
Doha, Qatar (IM)
American University of Beirut (CARD)
Our Alumni
Aditi Singhvi, MD - Class of 2019
We are extremely proud of our Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology fellowship program graduates. Each year the Houston Methodist Department of Cardiology hosts an alumni reception at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) annual meeting.
Class of 2023
Javier Aimone Guerra, MD
Amna Aijaz, MD Class of 2022
Syed Adeel Ahsan, MD
Kavitha Kalvakuri-Meduru, MBBS
Eesha Khan, MBBS |
Class of 2021
Miguel Castro, MD Anusha Sunkara, MD Pakpoom Tantrachoti, MD Class of 2020
Carolina Marzbani, MBBS |
Class of 2019
Bashar Hannawi, MD Class of 2018
Aamir Abbas, MD |
Class of 2017
Laurie Letarte, MD Class of 2016
Jessica Brown, MD Class of 2015
Carrie Eshelbrenner, MD |
Get In Touch
Program Coordinator
6550 Fannin St, Smith Tower 18-209
Houston, Texas 77030
Tel. 346.238.5039
Email: CardioFellowship@houstonmethodist.org
Program Director
Department of Cardiology
6550 Fannin St, Smith Tower 1901
Houston, Texas 77030
Email: IHussain@houstonmethodist.org
Upcoming Academic Events
Grand rounds, tumor boards, regularly scheduled series and case presentations are offered in multiple clinical disciplines and Houston Methodist locations.
Renal Grand Rounds - Richard J. Glassock, MD
Richard J. Glassock, MD, MACP, FRCP (London), FASN
Jan 09 @ 12PM
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