There are a number of characteristics or features of the Michigan Fellowship that may not necessarily be unique to Michigan, but collectively they shape the culture and feel of our program, creating a program of excellence for Pediatric Cardiology training.
- The Michigan Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program is Fellow - Centered. This means that every activity from clinical care, research, or education is focused on and built around the fellows. They are included in every activity and participate in clinical decisions. Faculty are uniquely committed to the education and training of our fellows, and treat the fellows as colleagues. With this level of involvement comes significant responsibility and obligation to faculty, colleagues and patients who are counting on each fellows’ presence and engagement.
- The fellowship is hard work, and particularly demanding in the first two years. Pediatric Cardiology is a hands-on specialty and discipline. Fellows are expected to provide the first line response when on service and when on call. They make judgments and decisions in concert and consultation with the relevant attending. Though attendings are readily available and involved, fellows are given significant autonomy appropriate to their level. The clinical and educational conference schedule is robust, and fellows are expected to attend them on a regular basis. Fellows are committed to a half day/week of general cardiology clinic with the same attending throughout their training, which trumps all other clinical responsibilities.
- The Michigan Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship is a structured program. During the entire three years each fellow has a rigorous rotation schedule encompassing in-patient and outpatient care, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, noninvasive imaging (including cardiac MRI), cardiac intensive care, heart failure/transplant, adult congenital heart disease, and adequate time for scholarly endeavors. The focus and emphasis of training is to maximize experience in general as well as all sub-disciplines of pediatric cardiology. During the majority of the third year the fellow’s program is customized with emphasis on research and the clinical focus of their choice.
- The Michigan Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship is structured with a unique graduated autonomy model. Each year of training differs with regards to the goals and objectives of rotations, as well as the focus and responsibilities of inpatient service and on-call coverage. Fellows are not responsible for performing procedures and tasks until they are trained and comfortable performing them with some skill. For example, the after hours echocardiograms are performed by 3rd year fellows on call, and therefore complete and detailed studies are the expectation. (Please refer to “Clinical Training” and “Call Schedule” sections for more details)
- The Michigan Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program is designed to develop academic pediatric cardiologists. It is our intent that the fellows have a broad, intense exposure to all aspects of pediatric cardiology, as well as strong foundation in their subspecialty field of choice, and are well-positioned for success in academic medicine. Our track record indicates that approximately 70% of our graduates pursue advanced subspecialty training, and approximately 85% of graduates join programs in academic institutions. Furthermore, nearly 100% pass the pediatric cardiology certification examination of the American Board of Pediatrics on the first try.
- Research/Scholarly activity is an expected and important component of the Michigan Fellowship Program. In addition to world-class clinical training, fellows will have the opportunity to work with our internationally recognized faculty to conduct clinical, translational or basic research. A unique aspect of our program is the Michigan Congenital Heart Outcomes Research and Discovery [MCHORD] program. This multidisciplinary unit supports research conducted throughout the Michigan Congenital Heart Center. MCHORD has a full-time research support staff who work closely with each fellow and their mentor to aid in study design, data collection, and analysis, and provide individual assistance throughout every aspect of the project.
- The Michigan Congenital Heart Center is fortunate to have an outstanding internationally known pediatric cardiovascular surgical staff. Led by Dr. Richard Ohye and a team of 4 additional surgical faculty, the program performs approximately 900 operations a year. In addition, the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery division supports 2 advanced congenital heart surgery fellows per year, under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer Romano, the Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Fellowship director. The relationship between Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery is entirely collegial. Our surgical faculty and fellows are key participants in all our clinical and QI conferences, and provide excellent teaching to the Pediatric Cardiology fellows.
- The Michigan Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program is well known for our culture of collaboration and collegiality. Faculty, trainees, and staff interact in an open and friendly manner, and fellows are encouraged to participate in all activities of the Michigan Congenital Heart Center. Our physical location in C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital with all cardiology and surgical clinical and administrative areas in adjoining spaces is conducive to ongoing, productive day to day collaboration.
- The Michigan Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program is committed to a culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We honor the well-being, individuality and dignity of all who work and train in the Michigan Congenital Heart Center, as well as all our patients, families, and the community at large.