Program Overview

The Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship Training Program is a non-ACGME, Texas Medical Board (TMB) accredited training program approved in 2010. The program includes a PGY7–PGY8 track for those who have completed a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship and wish to gain additional imaging training and reach Level III COCATS requirements.

We have multiple imaging modality tracks: Echocardiography (1 yr), Cardiac MRI (1 yr), Nuclear Cardiology & CT Angiography (1 yr), CT/PET (1 yr), or a two-year Multi-Modality program that is flexible. Research participation is required for the two-year program. 

Cardiovascular Imaging Tracks

Echocardiography

Program Description: One-year program comprised of 100% echocardiography. Fellows will have wide exposure to complex cardiac cases, in addition to hands-on experience during structural heart interventions (mitral clips, paravalvular leak closures, valve in valve, etc.).

Cardiac MRI

Program Description: One or two-year program comprised of 100% cardiac MRI and vascular MRA.

Nuclear Cardiology & CT Angiography

Program Description: One-year program comprised of combined training in Nuclear Cardiology and CT Angiography.

Multi-Modality Clinical/Research

Program Description: Two-year program that is 100% flexible. Training is offered in echocardiography, cardiac SPECT, cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI. Dedicated time for research is also possible.

Eligibility & Application

Thank you for your interest in Houston Methodist’s Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Fellowship program. Our program does not participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) or the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Our application process is detailed below. Please note, all applicants, including those local to the Greater Houston Area, will be interviewed virtually.

• Training period: 1 or 2 years
• Training dates: July 1 – June 30

Teaching faculty include expert cardiologists dedicated to cardiovascular imaging.

All training takes place within the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital.

Eligibility and Application Process

• Graduate of a U.S. or Canadian Medical School accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), or a medical school outside the United States and Canada with a current valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
• Must have completed 3 years of Cardiology Fellowship in ACGME or RCPSC (Canadian) accredited program; OR
• Candidates who have completed cardiology fellowship outside the country may be considered if they meet the “exceptional candidate” requirements set by the ACGME.
• Our program sponsors J-1 visas. If you are a J1 visa holder, you must be eligible for at least 1 year of training at beginning of fellowship.
• Be of good professional character with at least three letters of recommendation attesting to your academic and personal qualifications
• Applicants must be eligible for licensure (Physician-in-Training or Full License) by the Texas Medical Board.
• All applicants must have taken and passed all three steps of USMLE exams. DO graduates must have taken and passed all three steps of COMLEX USA.

This is currently a Texas Medical Board (TMB) approved training program.  Fellows can train on a Physician-in-Training (PIT) license for at least 1 year.

TO APPLY: Download the Fillable Application. There is a list of required documents on the last page which the GME office will need at a later date for offer of a position.  However, for initial review, we will only need the completed application, your current CV, 3 letters of recommendation (one should be from your current program director) and USMLE scores document.

Download Our Program Application

All documents must be sent to the program directly via email (do not send to GME office as noted on the last page of the application).  Your reference letters can also be sent directly by the physician offices. 

Responsibility

Houston Methodist is committed to improving the health of our patients, employees, and communities around us. As a health care provider, it’s our responsibility to promote a healthier environment for our employees.

• Drug and Tobacco Screening- Job seekers will be tested for nicotine and drug usage during the post-offer physical. If a job seeker tests positive for nicotine use, including nicotine gum and patches, the offer will be rescinded, and individuals will be given the opportunity to participate in a free Houston Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program. Job seekers wishing to reapply after testing positive for nicotine may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was rescinded. If the job seeker tests positive for drug use, the offer will be rescinded. Job seekers wishing to reapply after the drug screening is positive may do so one year after the date the initial offer was rescinded.
• Background Check - Prior to employment start date, job seekers must complete a criminal background check.

Selection Process

On average, four (4) fellows are selected from a highly competitive field of applicants for the training program each year. Fellows are selected from among eligible applicants on the basis of their ability, academic credentials, aptitude, communication skills, intellectual and humanistic qualities, personal attributes (such as motivation and integrity), preparedness, and their ability to benefit from the program. These qualities may be accessed through the review of academic records, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores and other means, including interviews. The department does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation or veteran status. Interviewing is typically conducted during the month of April.