Program Overview

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Introduction to the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a comprehensive program designed to provide superior training in the care of adults with congenital heart disease. The program is based at the Herma Heart Institute at Children's Wisconsin, one of the largest and most respected pediatric cardiac programs in the country.

Program Overview

The ACHD Fellowship is a two-year program that offers a unique blend of clinical and research training. Fellows will work with a multidisciplinary team of experts in adult congenital heart disease, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and other specialists. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and is designed to prepare fellows for a career in academic or clinical practice.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the ACHD Fellowship includes:

• Clinical training in the diagnosis and management of adult congenital heart disease
• Training in cardiac imaging, including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT
• Experience with cardiac catheterization and interventional procedures
• Participation in multidisciplinary conferences and rounds
• Opportunities for research and quality improvement projects

Clinical Experience

Fellows will have the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population, including patients with simple and complex congenital heart disease. Clinical experiences will include:

• Inpatient care: Fellows will participate in the care of patients admitted to the hospital with adult congenital heart disease.
• Outpatient care: Fellows will see patients in the outpatient clinic and participate in the management of patients with adult congenital heart disease.
• Imaging: Fellows will have the opportunity to learn and perform cardiac imaging procedures, including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and cardiac CT.
• Procedures: Fellows will participate in cardiac catheterization and interventional procedures.

Research Experience

Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in research projects and quality improvement initiatives. The program has a strong research focus, and fellows will be expected to complete a research project during their fellowship.

Faculty

The faculty for the ACHD Fellowship includes:

• Scott Cohen, MD, MPH: Program Director and Medical Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
• Peter Bartz, MD: Chief of Pediatric Cardiology and Co-Director of the Herma Heart Institute
• Matthew Buelow, MD: Medical Director of Regional Services - Northeast
• Jennifer Gerardin, MD: Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
• Salil Ginde, MD, MPH: Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and Director of the Marfan and Related Connective Tissue Disorders Program

Application Process

Applications for the ACHD Fellowship are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must submit:

• A personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation
• A CV
• USMLE transcript (and COMLEX transcript for DO applicants)

Living and Learning in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich cultural scene. The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions, including:

• Summerfest, the world's largest music festival
• The Historic Third Ward, a charming and upscale neighborhood with shops and restaurants
• The Milwaukee RiverWalk, a scenic pedestrian path along the Milwaukee River
• The Milwaukee Art Museum, a world-renowned museum with a unique architectural design

Our Alumni

The ACHD Fellowship has a strong track record of placing graduates in academic and clinical positions. Recent graduates have gone on to positions at:

• Lenox Hill Hospital, Northwell Health
• University of Omaha
• University of Utah
• University of Colorado/Children's Hospital of Colorado
• Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Heart & Vascular Institute

Meet Our Fellowship Team

The ACHD Fellowship team includes a diverse group of faculty, staff, and fellows. The team is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Team members include:

• Scott Cohen, MD, MPH: Program Director and Medical Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program
• Peter Bartz, MD: Chief of Pediatric Cardiology and Co-Director of the Herma Heart Institute
• Matthew Buelow, MD: Medical Director of Regional Services - Northeast
• Jennifer Gerardin, MD: Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
• Salil Ginde, MD, MPH: Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics and Director of the Marfan and Related Connective Tissue Disorders Program
• Bradley R. Johnson, MD: Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics

Conclusion

The Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a comprehensive program that provides superior training in the care of adults with congenital heart disease. The program offers a unique blend of clinical and research training, and is designed to prepare fellows for a career in academic or clinical practice. With a strong faculty and a diverse patient population, the ACHD Fellowship is an ideal choice for those interested in pursuing a career in adult congenital heart disease.