Conferences and Lectures

Tuesday Half Day Didactic (dedicated half day for all CVD fellows)

General Structure

• All fellows excused from clinical rotations across all sites.

• CCU fellow participates via Zoom.

• Format: 3–4 sessions per week, mixing lecture and interactive styles.

• Content: Balanced between foundational cardiology, board prep, skills, and scholarship.

• Curriculum Anchor: ABIM Cardiovascular Board Exam blueprint.

Session Types

1. Lectures

   • Faculty-led didactics aligned with ABIM domains (e.g., Coronary Disease, Heart Failure, Valvular, EP, Imaging, Prevention, Adult Congenital).

   • Guest lecturers from sub-specialty divisions (e.g., advanced HF, interventional, EP, imaging).

2. Workshops

   • Hands-on or case-based learning (e.g., ECG interpretation, cath/echo imaging review, hemodynamics, guideline-based therapy workshops).

   • Simulation labs (e.g., temporary pacing, RHC hemodynamics).

3. Debates

   • Fellows argue opposing sides of controversial clinical topics (e.g., “PCI vs CABG in multivessel CAD,” “Early vs late TAVR referral,” “Wearables in AF monitoring”).

   • Encourages critical thinking and evidence appraisal.

4. Journal Club

   • Fellow-led; one or two landmark or recent high-impact trials presented each week.

   • Emphasis on study design, critical appraisal, and clinical application.

5. Research Presentations

   • Quarterly updates from fellows on ongoing projects.

   • Yearly “Research in Progress” symposium.

   • Opportunity for faculty feedback and collaboration.

Bootcamp (Early in Academic Year)

• Timing: First 4–6 weeks of fellowship.

• Focus: Rapid onboarding and skills.

• Core topics: ECGs, echo basics, cath lab hemodynamics, common CCU emergencies, device management.

• Workshops: Temporary pacing and device interrogation, LVAD basics, temporary mechanical circulatory support trouble shooting

• Goal: Standardize baseline fellow knowledge/skills before starting rotations.

Integration with ABIM CV Boards

• Each session mapped to ABIM blueprint categories:

  • Coronary Artery Disease

  • Heart Failure/Transplant

  • Valvular Disease

  • Arrhythmias/EP

  • Imaging (Echo, Nuclear, CT/MRI)

  • Preventive Cardiology & Vascular

  • Congenital Heart Disease

  • Pericardial/Myocardial/Infiltrative Disorders

  • Ensures cumulative coverage across fellowship.

Dedicated “Board Review Weeks” in the spring with mock exams and question sessions.