Cardiovascular Diseases Training Program
Overview
The Cardiovascular Diseases Training Program has been accredited for more than 40 years. Our training programs produce outstanding clinicians and researchers with a strong foundation for providing excellent patient care, and offer subspecialty training in clinical and interventional cardiology, imaging, electrophysiology, and heart failure/transplantation.
General Description
The training program in cardiovascular diseases at Wake Forest School of Medicine is intended to prepare a well-rounded cardiologist skilled in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, from intensive care for acute cardiovascular disorders on the one extreme to ambulatory, outpatient follow-up care on the other extreme.
Trainees in both the 3-year and 4-year programs will receive supervised training in electrocardiography, cardiac catheterization, imaging including echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, CT and MR, electrophysiology, cardiovascular research, heart failure, congenital heart disease in the adult, and peripheral vascular disease.
Federally Funded Training Grants
Wake Forest Baptist has two federally funded training grants, the Cardiovascular Imaging Training Program and the Cardiovascular Research Training Program. Common features of both programs include completion of a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Population Translational Science (CPTS).
The Cardiovascular Imaging Training program is a National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute-funded initiative and includes supervised training in electrocardiography, cardiac catheterization, imaging including echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, CT and MRI, electrophysiology, cardiovascular research, heart failure, congenital heart disease in the adult, and peripheral vascular disease.
The Cardiovascular Research Training Program curriculum includes training in molecular biology and genetics, supplemental training in genomics, proteomics and informatics, a hands-on basic laboratory practicum and joint mentorship with both clinical and basic science faculty, and participation in external NHLBI-sponsored short courses in cardiovascular epidemiology, and the genetics of complex heart, lung, and blood disorders.
Benefits and Services for Fellows
Offers for appointment to the house staff of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center are made by the training program director and clinical department chair. Offers are contingent upon the applicant receiving a North Carolina medical license and being credentialed and privileged by the institution. Once all required forms and documents have been submitted by the applicant, the credentialing process takes approximately 90 days to complete.
House staff appointments are made for a period of no more than one year and, if appropriate, are renewed based upon successful completion in the training program determined by the program director and on the recommendation of the clinical department chair. Employment also is contingent on satisfactory completion of an initial drug screen and criminal conviction check, and regular, periodic checks of the federal OIG and GSA lists of individuals debarred from participation in federal health care programs.
Stipends
Stipends are competitive. Pay levels are based on the number of years of experience credited toward specialty board certification. Health insurance, including hospitalization, is available through the University at a minimal charge for individual coverage and by contribution for coverage of dependents.
A Partial List of Benefits
- 3 weeks of vacation annually, up to 4 weeks for leaves of absence
- Health, Life, Disability and Professional Liability insurance
- Tax-Deferred Savings program through Fidelity, TIAA-CREF or Vanguard
- National Meetings
- (ACC, AHA) Fellows may attend one national scientific meeting a year paid by the division. Such meetings do not count as vacation time.
- Lab Coats and Laundry Service
- Annual academic stipend for texts, journals, etc.