Official 2016-2017 Cardiology Fellowship Application Cycle

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Question about letter strategy...
I have a letter commenting on my research fellowship done prior to residency in an Ivy league hospital written by my cardiology mentor at the time who is well known. Is this too outdated to be used now and is the fact that it is only a research letter sub-optimum? I am not sure of whether to substitute this letter with other more updated/clinical letters or not.
Other letters are IM PD letter, CCU rounding staff letter, cardiac telemetry nightfloat rounding staff letter, and MICU rounding staff letter. All of these are letters commenting on my clinical skills and are excellent letters. I am currently training in a large tertiary care referral community center in the midwest.
 
Last edited:
Cardsforlife said:
Question about letter strategy...
I have a letter commenting on my research fellowship done prior to residency in an Ivy league hospital written by my cardiology mentor at the time who is well known. Is this too outdated to be used now and is the fact that it is only a research letter sub-optimum? I am not sure of whether to substitute this letter with other more updated/clinical letters or not.
Other letters are IM PD letter, CCU rounding staff letter, cardiac telemetry nightfloat rounding staff letter, and MICU rounding staff letter. All of these are letters commenting on my clinical skills and are excellent letters. I am currently training in a large tertiary care referral community center in the midwest.
Click to expand...


I believe it's better to use the current letters as they comment on your excellent clinical skills. I am sure you have your research on your CV and personal statement. That should suffice. You should probably select strong letters than "good" or "average" ones. Good luck!
 
Guys how do we know if programs have started to download our apps? Any programs start downloading already ??
 
drLexus said:
Guys how do we know if programs have started to download our apps? Any programs start downloading already ??
Click to expand...

From this year the PD station is "all online" so programs don't need to download applications. This wasn't the case until last year. They can see changes in real time.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
What about if you have a letter that still is not uploaded/finalized for assigning to programs-

Is it best to wait for the letter or just send and certify the application now?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
blueandred said:
What about if you have a letter that still is not uploaded/finalized for assigning to programs-

Is it best to wait for the letter or just send and certify the application now?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

Send and certify the application now. You can always assign the letter when it becomes available.
 
mello_xello said:
Yep same situation here. I am gonna submit and assign the delayed letter later. At least the application will be time stamped 7/15


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

I didn't submit my application yet, waiting for a letter to be uploaded yet. What is the rationale for submitting today itself and getting a time stamp?! Anyways, programs don't start looking application for 1-2weeks and they use filter to screen candidates. Just wondering, what is the strategy to submit right away when application is not complete?!
 
sssscool said:
I didn't submit my application yet, waiting for a letter to be uploaded yet. What is the rationale for submitting today itself and getting a time stamp?! Anyways, programs don't start looking application for 1-2weeks and they use filter to screen candidates. Just wondering, what is the strategy to submit right away when application is not complete?!
Click to expand...

I agree, someone wrote earlier that with today being Friday, there is no way a program director is going to even look at an application until maybe Monday?!! Even then, I imagine that programs have some way of organizing candidates before sending out invites.
I'll probably submit tomorrow after a final proof and then call it good and add my fourth letter when it goes live...


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
SIDE BAR- just curious, people applying to a lot of programs, number? It's kind of crazy, I saw a previous cardiology forum and some blogger had like 10+ pretty big name places (Brigham, MGH, Washigton, Baylor, THI, WashU, etc.) to interview from coast to coast... Damn that must be pricey, complicated to leave rotations, and just tiring!

There are some programs that I've heard are good by word of mouth, assumption based on the name of the program, or US news and world report, BUT this is not easy trying to narrow a list of programs or even know what a program is like or if you even could stack up at a place.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
blueandred said:
SIDE BAR- just curious, people applying to a lot of programs, number? It's kind of crazy, I saw a previous cardiology forum and some blogger had like 10+ pretty big name places (Brigham, MGH, Washigton, Baylor, THI, WashU, etc.) to interview from coast to coast... Damn that must be pricey, complicated to leave rotations, and just tiring!

There are some programs that I've heard are good by word of mouth, assumption based on the name of the program, or US news and world report, BUT this is not easy trying to narrow a list of programs or even know what a program is like or if you even could stack up at a place.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

Not sure what your point or question is here, but most people I know applied to 25+ programs and tried to go on at least 10+ interviews, most of them all across the country, and yes it does suck having to fly all over the place, find coverage, and be a resident, but that's the nature of applying to a competitive field like Cardiology. If you have more specific questions about certain programs or how you stack up, I'm sure many here would be willing to help out.

sssscool said:
I didn't submit my application yet, waiting for a letter to be uploaded yet. What is the rationale for submitting today itself and getting a time stamp?! Anyways, programs don't start looking application for 1-2weeks and they use filter to screen candidates. Just wondering, what is the strategy to submit right away when application is not complete?!
Click to expand...

I submitted my application without having all my LOR's uploaded and I actually got a couple interviews before my final LOR was even in.
 
blueandred said:
SIDE BAR- just curious, people applying to a lot of programs, number? It's kind of crazy, I saw a previous cardiology forum and some blogger had like 10+ pretty big name places (Brigham, MGH, Washigton, Baylor, THI, WashU, etc.) to interview from coast to coast... Damn that must be pricey, complicated to leave rotations, and just tiring!

There are some programs that I've heard are good by word of mouth, assumption based on the name of the program, or US news and world report, BUT this is not easy trying to narrow a list of programs or even know what a program is like or if you even could stack up at a place.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

loeffy said:
I submitted my application without having all my LOR's uploaded and I actually got a couple interviews before my final LOR was even in.
Click to expand...

🙂
 
anyone get an interview yet?



.... just kidding. submitted friday early in the AM. good luck everyone.
 
blueandred said:
I agree, someone wrote earlier that with today being Friday, there is no way a program director is going to even look at an application until maybe Monday?!! Even then, I imagine that programs have some way of organizing candidates before sending out invites.
I'll probably submit tomorrow after a final proof and then call it good and add my fourth letter when it goes live...


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

Any chief residents here? They probably will have an answer how the program's version of ERAS and organizing works? Probably the same for fellowships as it is for screening large no of applicants for residency.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Last edited:
will set up the iv/rej thread as did last year

AMG:

IMG w/o visa required:

IMG requiring visa:

Rejections:
 
My letter and transcript is still not uploaded and waiting to submit my application. I'm expecting by Wednesday to get uploaded. Am I hurting my chances by submitting 5 days late?! Couldn't stop worrying🙁
 
sssscool said:
My letter and transcript is still not uploaded and waiting to submit my application. I'm expecting by Wednesday to get uploaded. Am I hurting my chances by submitting 5 days late?! Couldn't stop worrying🙁
Click to expand...
No.
 
sssscool said:
My letter and transcript is still not uploaded and waiting to submit my application. I'm expecting by Wednesday to get uploaded. Am I hurting my chances by submitting 5 days late?! Couldn't stop worrying🙁
Click to expand...

Shouldn't be worried. Lot of us are in the same boat. And with ERAS being online for PDs now they ll see updates in real time ( previously PDs HAD to download applications and view them offline)


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
I am hoping to match into a west coast program with a specific interest in interventional cardiology. I am doing residency on the east coast and haven't been able to get a lot of info into the west coast programs, especially with respect to cath training/volume. Hoping to land a competitive program with overall excellent general cardiology training which will still be a great place to stay at for interventional.

Previous forums discussing this are quite outdated. I look forward to your suggestions. Good luck to all applicants!
 
heartm.d. said:
I am hoping to match into a west coast program with a specific interest in interventional cardiology. I am doing residency on the east coast and haven't been able to get a lot of info into the west coast programs, especially with respect to cath training/volume. Hoping to land a competitive program with overall excellent general cardiology training which will still be a great place to stay at for interventional.

Previous forums discussing this are quite outdated. I look forward to your suggestions. Good luck to all applicants!
Click to expand...
Most of the west coast program atleast in California seems to be stronger in that aspect. It all depends on where you want to go NoCal or SoCal?! SoCal means you need to know some medical spanish. Good luck.

Thanks for your support, Kozela and Mello Xello, I applied just now as letters are uploaded. How do we find out whether they downloaded or not, if it is online, whether they viewed it or not? Is there a way to find out, just curious
 
sssscool said:
Most of the west coast program atleast in California seems to be stronger in that aspect. It all depends on where you want to go NoCal or SoCal?! SoCal means you need to know some medical spanish. Good luck.

Thanks for your support, Kozela and Mello Xello, I applied just now as letters are uploaded. How do we find out whether they downloaded or not, if it is online, whether they viewed it or not? Is there a way to find out, just curious
Click to expand...


Would be happy in both NoCal or Socal. Plenty of family in both areas. Anyone willingot to share their impression of a West coast program ranking, given interest in interventional cards? Thanks.
 
Anybody have any knowledge about Wright University, Scranton , PA program?!
 
I have yet to get my first interview. Can someone please update once first interviews offered?
 
Did anyone receive an email from University of Washington asking for a detailed and personalized PS? Is this standard practice?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
heartm.d. said:
I am hoping to match into a west coast program with a specific interest in interventional cardiology. I am doing residency on the east coast and haven't been able to get a lot of info into the west coast programs, especially with respect to cath training/volume. Hoping to land a competitive program with overall excellent general cardiology training which will still be a great place to stay at for interventional.

Previous forums discussing this are quite outdated. I look forward to your suggestions. Good luck to all applicants!
Click to expand...

I can provide some info based on my interview experiences and some anecdotal info from friends. Cali programs are competitive in general due to location and limitation of spots, and like NYC programs, they seem to have a regional bias which makes it tougher for those without a Cali connection.

Cedars- Large busy hospital, have heard mixed reviews on actual fellows volume. Seems research oriented, people there are more academically inclined and apparently 3rd year is all research.
UW- Weaker in nuclear and ct/mri, but large LVAD volume. Spread out over 3 hospitals, occasionally have to cover interns and fairly research focused. Cath seemed ok though seems like some fellows go elsewhere for advanced training, not sure if thats for personal or other reasons.
UCLA- Seemed like a nice and balanced program, both clinically and academically, not super high volume but good enough all around. Though it seems some fellows go elsewhere for interventional training as well. Beautiful main hospital, spread out over 3-4 hospitals. However, they were pretty vague on clinical volume and curriculum and it seems everyone has different impressions on the program's research expectations.
UCSD- Seemed like they're trying to improve their research cred, lots of new buildings and growth and pushed research on interview day. Clinically, seems like you'll get to see a little of everything, nothing particularly stood out.
UCSF/Stanford- More academic focus and not particularly high volume

Don't know anything about other programs, but don't discount them, wouldn't be surprised if they were just as good if not better (at least in some aspects) than some of the above programs.

The West coast is great, but I felt that there were lots of programs elsewhere that offered just as good or sometimes better training, and from what I've seen, it's very possible to land great jobs on the west coast after training elsewhere. In fact, some programs are setup such that you could probably fly to California every other weekend and still come out ahead financially. For now, apply broadly, do as many interviews as possible to see what YOU think of it, not what someone else thinks, and definitely keep an open mind, you may be surprised at what programs you end up liking/disliking, I certainly was.
 
Last edited:
Cards_2016_2017 said:
Did anyone receive an email from University of Washington asking for a detailed and personalized PS? Is this standard practice?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

Yeah I guess. Should we email the coordinator a personalized statement. Can't assign a second one via ERAS


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
Has anyone received any rejections or interviews? Thank you
 
Cards_2016_2017 said:
Did anyone receive an email from University of Washington asking for a detailed and personalized PS? Is this standard practice?


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
Click to expand...

Yes I did. I am not sure if this is standard practice. Possibly a generic email to everyone that applied to their program?
 
float said:
Yes I did. I am not sure if this is standard practice. Possibly a generic email to everyone that applied to their program?
Click to expand...

It's an institution-specific preference. The UW CVD fellowship website actually lists this requirement, too.
 
trying to plan for possible coverage, does any one know when interviews are normally? Sept-Oct? do they usually run into November? Also, what days are they usually on? or is it all scattered throughout the week like medicine interviews a few years back?
 
confusedboi said:
trying to plan for possible coverage, does any one know when interviews are normally? Sept-Oct? do they usually run into November? Also, what days are they usually on? or is it all scattered throughout the week like medicine interviews a few years back?
Click to expand...

Fellow applicant here. Based on the information from program websites and speaking to past applicants, most of the interviews occur in late September to late October.
 
I got one interview. Will share after I hear about your first interview. Thanks
 
I was only sharing to start the ball rolling on building a list of which programs were sending out invites on which dates like the forum from last year, if others would find this useful. Clearly my actual interview is not for two more months.

I'm an AMG btw.
 
morte7 said:
I was only sharing to start the ball rolling on building a list of which programs were sending out invites on which dates like the forum from last year, if others would find this useful. Clearly my actual interview is not for two more months.

I'm an AMG btw.
Click to expand...
That was useful. I am an IMG and did not get an interview from there. Looking forward to hearing more. Thank you
 
Just to get the list going... As we get more interviews, let's add it to this ongoing list. thanks.


AMG:
7/21 WVU

IMG w/o visa required:

IMG requiring visa:

Rejections:
7/19 - WashU/B-JH/SLCH consortium
 
19772016 said:
I got one interview. Will share after I hear about your first interview. Thanks
Click to expand...
What does that even mean?

I got an email from Kaiser stating they are "reviewing my application". Routine email probably.
 
CardioLove23 said:
Just to get the list going... As we get more interviews, let's add it to this ongoing list. thanks.


AMG:
7/21 WVU

IMG w/o visa required:

IMG requiring visa:

Rejections:
7/19 - WashU/B-JH/SLCH consortium
Click to expand...


IMG ( U.S. citizen)
First interview 7/18 OHSU
 
I believe both of you are kidding. Mention clearly if you guys got an interview or not


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

GyraseBeta
  • Sticky
Official Interventional Cardiology Application 2025-2026
Replies
6
Views
2K
Imtocardio
I
GyraseBeta
Official IC Application Cycle 2025
Replies
3
Views
4K
Rusro Evans
R
I
Signaling in Cardiology Fellowship Match 2025-2026
Replies
5
Views
3K
NotAProgDirector
NotAProgDirector
A
Interventional Cardiology Fellowship position Mclaren Flint
Replies
0
Views
1K
AAK90
A
K
University of Miami - Interventional cardiology fellowship
Replies
1
Views
3K
shouldigomd
S
Top