Fellowship positions in Emory's cardiovascular research scientist accredited four-year training pathway are filled outside of the NRMP match. This pathway consists of two years of protected research training followed by two years of clinical cardiology training. This pathway exceeds the requirements for cardiovascular disease board eligibility.
During the interview process, candidates meet with Emory Cardiology Basic Science faculty to discuss their areas of research interest and potential projects. The intention is to find compatible mentor/candidate pairings. Positions in this pathway are determined prior to the NRMP match date, and incoming fellows will be expected to communicate with their mentor and develop a grant proposal almost immediately. The actual fellowship training will start with two years of basic science research training in their mentor’s lab. Under the supervision of the mentor, the fellow will receive hands-on training in molecular, biochemical, physiological, and biostatistical techniques used to study cardiovascular diseases. Fellows are expected to become technically proficient in the laboratory, master pertinent literature, and demonstrate expertise in hypothesis-driven research. These goals are achieved through work on their projects as well as preparation of abstracts, manuscripts, grant applications, and presentations. Fellows are expected to formally present their work at national, regional, institutional and divisional meetings, including the Annual Emory Cardiology Research Symposium, which is held on campus every June. Clinical responsibilities for these first two years will be limited to weekly half-day continuity clinics.
Years three and four of this pathway consist of supervised clinical training as per the most recent ACGME guidelines and latest COCATS recommendations. Fellows gain experience in all aspects of clinical cardiology, including inpatient and outpatient cardiac consultations and diagnostic evaluations using noninvasive (ECG and Holter monitor interpretation, exercise stress testing echocardiography, MR, CT and nuclear imaging) and invasive (cardiac catheterization) approaches. The fellows also become familiar with cardiac electrophysiologic studies and interventional cardiology.