How to get into cardiology?

[831929]

just a med student here. Was wondering if someone could explain to me the process of getting into cardio. How do I choose what residency program to go to? What should I do during 3/4th year or med school? Does most of the work to land the fellowship occur during residency?

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[Instatewaiter]

How to get into cardiology:
Get into as good of a residency as you possibly can
Do well on your cardiology rotations in resdency and get strong letters of rec
Do some cardiology research

Don't need to do anything specifically in medical school other than do what you need to to get into a good residency

 

[MyTachyBradyHeart]

just a med student here. Was wondering if someone could explain to me the process of getting into cardio. How do I choose what residency program to go to? What should I do during 3/4th year or med school? Does most of the work to land the fellowship occur during residency?

It is hard work, but cathing yourself radially with 4 Fr pediatric Foley will get you ahead of the curve.

 

[QueenJames]

How to get into cardiology:
Get into as good of a residency as you possibly can
Do well on your cardiology rotations in resdency and get strong letters of rec
Do some cardiology research

Don't need to do anything specifically in medical school other than do what you need to to get into a good residency

Is research absolutely necessary?

 

[Instatewaiter]

Is research absolutely necessary?

Absolutely necessary no. But very, very strongly advisable.

Similarly good grades and mcat scores aren't absolutely necessary to get into medical school

 

[thecalccobra]

Is research absolutely necessary?

If you're at a mid-tier University program and are otherwise a good Resident, you don't need research to match.

Coming from low-tier University program, a few posters here and there plus 1-2 pubs should get you in.

Another big factor is IMG vs AMG status.

 

[QueenJames]

If you're at a mid-tier University program and are otherwise a good Resident, you don't need research to match.

Coming from low-tier University program, a few posters here and there plus 1-2 pubs should get you in.

Another big factor is IMG vs AMG status.

I see. What about community residencies that offer fellowships? I've seen some community IM programs that offer many different fellowships. What's the main difference between specializing in an academic vs. community program? If it helps, I am a second year DO (not in residency yet)... but I take it it isn't as bad for us DOs as IMGs and foreign grads.

 

[Instatewaiter]

I see. What about community residencies that offer fellowships? I've seen some community IM programs that offer many different fellowships. What's the main difference between specializing in an academic vs. community program? If it helps, I am a second year DO (not in residency yet)... but I take it it isn't as bad for us DOs as IMGs and foreign grads.

For fellowship you really should be doing a little bit of research. It will maximize your chances. There are many places that won't even consider you if you haven't proved youre dedicated to doing at least a little research. The guy who told you don't need to be doing research has like 10 posters + eight publications.

The main difference of going to community fellowship versus a large academic fellowship are the same as going to a community IM program versus a large academic program. The difference will be in the acuity that you see, the access to cutting edge procedures, the volume, and probably the quality of training.

It will also impact your prospects for jobs. Where I currently am is a strong private practice. I have seen them throw many an application directly in the trash without even interviewing the person based upon where they trained. Like everything in life maximize your chances to do well.

 

[thecalccobra]

For fellowship you really should be doing a little bit of research. It will maximize your chances. There are many places that won't even consider you if you haven't proved your dedicated to doing at least a little research. The guy who told you don't need to be doing research has like 10 posters + eight publications.

Right, I have those because I come from a community affiliated program and went to a foreign medical school. Different circumstances.

Obviously some research always helps but point I was trying to make was the caliber of your IM residency program and whether there are in-house fellowships matters way more when it's all said and done.

Pretty sure a guy just looking to match Cardiology from, say, UT Southwestern will easily match at a community hospital (worst case scenario) without any research.

OP- I would recommend going to the best IM program you can. That will help out your chances for sure. Start working on a small research project during first year and get help from senior residents who matched cardiology. You should be fine.

 

[IMreshopeful]

- letters of recommendation are essential - need strong ones that describe your ability as a resident. Helpful to have one for research as well I think. People with “name” can often help you out, but always better to have someone who can talk about you in detail.
- good USMLE scores, though this isn’t derm so obviously doesn’t matter as much
- research - having an abstract or two is great. Ideal if at a national conference. Publications are a great plus. You need to be able to discuss all aspects of the research you did on interviews - everything is fair game, even if non cardiology
- where you go for residency does, unfortunately for some people, matter. Cardiology powerhouses (think MGH, Hopkins, Sinai, UTSW, etc) are more likely to have the resources to help you succeed and to some degree this plays a role in how places will screen applications. That said, I went to an upper mid tier IM residency and matched well. These message boards tend to be somewhat polarized - ie either it’s people from top tier fellowships or IMGs in community programs - and most people are somewhere realistically in the middle.
- it is harder to match as an IMG, no doubt. The best way to maximize your chances of doing well is to match a strong IM residency.

 

[IMreshopeful]

I see. What about community residencies that offer fellowships? I've seen some community IM programs that offer many different fellowships. What's the main difference between specializing in an academic vs. community program? If it helps, I am a second year DO (not in residency yet)... but I take it it isn't as bad for us DOs as IMGs and foreign grads.

Community fellowships that are affiliated or adjoined with community residencies are definitely something you can consider. However, understand that it depends what you mean by this.

If your community residency and fellowship are actually tertiary referral centers with high volume of cardiac pathology and have some research incorporated to help boost your CV, then training in these will probably be good. If you’re at a small community hospital in a large city competing with tertiary referral centers, it will not be as good.

It’s totally fine not to be into the research game and it’s completely understandable to want to shy away from it. However, understand that most people coming out of academic programs still end up going into private practice (instatewaiter has trained at the best institutions, for an example of this), so it’s not like going into a community fellowship will set you up better for practice and vice versa. Therefore, the smart thing is to maximize your chances at your career by going to the best places you can. Jobs will look primarily at your skillset and certifications as well as referrals.

 

[go lakers]

Is research absolutely necessary?

Scholarly work of some sort is important. Research itself may not be for you.

However, a case report or a thorough review article on a topic within cardiology shows your commitment to understanding and advancing the field.

 

[QueenJames]

Scholarly work of some sort is important. Research itself may not be for you.

However, a case report or a thorough review article on a topic within cardiology shows your commitment to understanding and advancing the field.

Is it okay if I private message you for some guidance?

 

[go lakers]

Sure

 

[Amadeus011]

I am planning to apply this cycle to a new cardiology fellowship program. Can anyone share their thoughts / experience / insight into the possible pros and cons of being the first class of a new program? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[go lakers]

I am planning to apply this cycle to a new cardiology fellowship program. Can anyone share their thoughts / experience / insight into the possible pros and cons of being the first class of a new program? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Con: it is new and may not have a rigorous curriculum or exposure.
Pro: you could potentially help shape how the program is organized as your feedback will be extremely valuable.

 

[Amadeus011]

Thanks for your response, appreciate the feedback.

 

[rheum18]

Thanks for your response, appreciate the feedback.

Also, just keep in mind based on the 2018 NRMP Fellowship Application Cycle Data, around 68.6% of applicants matched into a fellowship spot for Cardiology.

 

[medsel32]

Hey all,

Read through this recently and hoping to get a little more information on research. When would you recommend starting research during residency? Obviously the beginning of residency is quite busy getting a hang of things and really just learning how to be the best doc possible. Appreciate any advice and input.

 

[Rocher]

Hey all,

Read through this recently and hoping to get a little more information on research. When would you recommend starting research during residency? Obviously the beginning of residency is quite busy getting a hang of things and really just learning how to be the best doc possible. Appreciate any advice and input.

I think looking for a mentor by January and firing up a project by the end of intern year or start of second year is a good goal. I started even later and matched at a great program but I was a little behind the curve and felt it come interview season.

 

[medsel32]

I think looking for a mentor by January and firing up a project by the end of intern year or start of second year is a good goal. I started even later and matched at a great program but I was a little behind the curve and felt it come interview season.

Thank you! Starting a project by end of intern year, did you - or have others - felt this was enough time to be productive given the time constraints of intern year alongside the inherently slow-moving process of publishing? Thank you again for all the help.

 

[Rocher]

Thank you! Starting a project by end of intern year, did you - or have others - felt this was enough time to be productive given the time constraints of intern year alongside the inherently slow-moving process of publishing? Thank you again for all the help.

The earlier the better, but if you’re diligent a year and a few months can get you enough for great interview discussions and maybe a paper submitted. It’s hard to be super productive during intern year but some people were able to be. Most programs understand this and in my experience didn’t expect much more than that

 

[MyTachyBradyHeart]

Thank you! Starting a project by end of intern year, did you - or have others - felt this was enough time to be productive given the time constraints of intern year alongside the inherently slow-moving process of publishing? Thank you again for all the help.

One thing that was helpful is to find a mentor who understands the timeline of residency/fellowship applications and work with you to find a project that can be completed in a year. Specific things to look for include:
-Younger faculty who are under pressure to publish and have a track record of being good mentors to residents/fellows
-Older faculty who are more well known who may be asked to write an invited review/opinion piece
-Projects with data readily available or collected already and waiting on a good clinical question
-Projects already started that needs additional help in completing the study
-Potential subgroup analysis of an already completed project

For reference, I started a project midway through intern year (Jan/Feb) with an abstract submitted/accepted in the fall. I started a 2nd project at the beginning of 2nd year (August) with abstract/manuscript submitted/accepted in late spring. There is enough time to be productive during residency; you have to use your electives and clinic time (if x+y schedule) wisely. IMO the most important thing is to find a topic you are passionate about: the work is more rewarding and it's easier to talk about on your interview day.