Interventional Fellowship

Program Description

We offer a one or two year Interventional Fellowship Program that provides a broad-spectrum learning experience in all aspects of interventional cardiology. The focus of the first year is coronary interventions. Applicants who are accepted for the 2 year program will have a major focus on research and have an opportunity for training in structural heart interventions.

London Health Sciences Centre’s Cardiac Program is the largest in Southwestern Ontario, and the only program that provides cardiac catheterization in London and the region. Procedures are performed in 4 state of the art labs, 3 located at University Hospital campus and one at Victoria Hospital campus. A 5th room (hybrid room) is used for hybrid coronary procedures and percutaneous valvular interventions, and is located within the operating room area.

We perform about 1500 PCI/year and provide 24/7 primary PCI service for about 250 patients per year.

As a tertiary centre, we provide consults and services to patients from other hospitals in Southwestern Ontario. We perform all types of complex interventions including bifurcation procedures, rotational atherectomy, intravascular imaging using IVUS and OCT and invasive hemodynmic studies. We frequently use the radial approach for coronary interventions. Our Structural Heart Program is growing and includes ASD/PFO closure, TAVI, and Mitraclip and LLA.

A large proportion of our patients are enrolled in clinical trials.

The Training Program is in accordance with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada standards of accreditation.  Our program is one of a few in the country that is accredited as an Area of Focused Competency.  Therefore, upon completion of the program, successful trainees may be eligible for a Diploma frm the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

As an academic centre, there is strong emphasis on academic activity including teaching and research.  

The Interventional Program includes weekly complex interventional rounds, and bi-weekly didactic teaching sessions, journal clubs and M&M rounds. The fellows are expected to be active participants in those activities. Fellows are expected to teach residents, medical students and house staff.

We usually have 2-3 interventional fellows. Most cycles begin in July, but there is an option to begin off cycle, usually in January.

The interventional fellow will perform a minimum of 400 coronary interventions during one year of training, working with 7 interventionalists and thus be exposed to a variety of interventional techniques. The fellows participate in call schedule for primary PCI and attend PCI clinic on a regular basis.

Fellows are expected to participate in research with a goal to complete at least one research project during their training. Such a project should result in abstract preparation and completion of a manuscript. Fellows are expected to present their research in the Cardiology Residents’ Research Day.

Application Process

Applications should be sent 18 months prior to the requested start date. Decisions are generally made a year prior to the beginning of the program. Infrequently, late applications will be considered.

Applicants should complete their core training in Cardiology, and are expected to have experience with cath lab procedures, and be able to perform diagnostic procedures independently. Trainees must have a valid certification in ACLS prior to commencement of the PCI training program.

Interested applicants should submit their application to:

Donna Hill - Program Administrator, Adult Cardiology Training Program donna.hill@lhsc.on.ca 

Applications should include:

  • Letter of intent - stating requested start date, training so far, desired length of fellowship, and availability of funding.
  • Current CV.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Proof of citizenship.
  • MD and specialty certificates.

The letter of intent and reference letters should be addressed to Dr. Pallav Garg, Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Director.  

Selected applicants will undergo a formal interview. When feasible, it is preferable to hold an interview in London. Skype interview, or interview during scientific meetings possible.