Welcome from the Program Director
Welcome to the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program at Virginia Commonwealth University! The fellowship program is committed to training world class clinical and academic Electrophysiologists capable of practicing in any setting. The educational opportunities offered at VCU Medical Center and the associated Veterans Affairs Medical Center form the basis for truly comprehensive exposure to modern Cardiac Electrophysiology practice. The mission of the subdivision of cardiac electrophysiology apart of Cardiology Division is directly derived from the socially conscious mission of VCUMC: Preserve and restore health for all people of Virginia and beyond through innovation in service, research and education. The diverse and highly accomplished faculty of the program are committed to supporting each individual fellow’s goals and career aspirations. We respect our fellows and we are proud of their dedication and achievements. The ideal fellowship candidate is the individual who is proactive in their education, committed to excellence and prepared to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.
The Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology fellowship program at Virginia Commonwealth University provides fellows with a comprehensive training experience, which will enable them to pursue careers in either academic or private practice. Emphasis is placed on both excellent clinical training and a research experience, which is tailored to the individual's aspirations and previous activities. Clinical training consists of procedural training, didactic instruction, providing consult care, actively participating in clinical and basic science research, presenting at national and international meetings, conference preparation and presentation, and both self-directed and assigned reading.
The clinical program will be appropriate for the majority of our fellows and involves a 2-year clinical curriculum. Graduates of the program pursue careers in private practice as well as academic practice, often as clinician educators.
Fellows do clinical rotations at VCU Medical Center and at the affiliated Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center (MVAMC). The fellows will spend approximately 70% of the time at VCU Medical Center over the course of 2 years. The range of Electrophysiology services and experiences offered at the MVAMC parallel those offered at VCUMC. The MVAMC is a full-service hospital offering veterans the full range of cardiovascular care including advanced electrophysiology and heart failure therapies (Heart Transplantation). The research opportunities for the electrophysiology fellow are available at both institutions, which together present broad and complementary clinical and research faculties.
Responsibility for the management of the Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program, and for the successful completion of appropriate training for each fellow, resides in the Division Chief, Dr. Kenneth Ellenbogen, Director of the Pauley Heart Center, Dr. William Gregory Hundley, and the Program Director, Dr. Jayanthi Koneru. Major determinants of the structure of the Fellowship Program are the American Board of Internal Medicine subspecialty requirements for Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association recommendations on cardiac electrophysiology training. Additional determinants of program contents include the career plans and special needs of individual fellows, the requirements for adequate clinical and procedural exposure to ensure clinical excellence. Finally, the fellows and faculty continuously contribute to improving program to be at the forefront of the ever-evolving field of Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology. Rotations, electives and didactic content is regularly modified to meet the educational needs of fellows maintain the academic and clinical excellence.
Jayanthi N. Koneru, MD
Program Director, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship Program