1st YEAR CARDIOLOGY FELLOWS INPATIENT ROTATION
MUSC, Cardiology Division
GOAL:
To provide an opportunity to enhance clinical and procedural skills and to develop a deeper understanding of
decisions related to invasive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the Cardiology arena.
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE:
1) Develop skills in physical examination and ability to relate abnormal physical findings to the result
obtained from invasive and non-invasive diagnostic studies.
2) Learn clinical and physiologic basic for management of acute cardiac illnesses, including myocardial
infarction, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, pericardial, and valvular heart disease and their
complications.
3) Learn the pharmacological properties and toxic effects of cardiovascular drugs.
4) Learn the indications for thrombolytic therapy and percutaneous interventions in acute coronary
syndromes.
5) Develop and demonstrate competence in EKG interpretations.
6) Learn how to function effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary Cardiology team.
7) Learn ethical aspects of decision required in the care of critically or terminally ill patients.
8) Develop skills as a consultant to Internal Medicine Residents.
9) Learn how to use resources of social workers, case managers, assigned nurses, dietitians and laboratory
personnel.
PROCEDURES:
Residents will be appropriately supervised for all procedures. Procedures for the rotation include central venous
catheter placement, pulmonary artery catheterization, temporary pacemaker implantation, advanced cardiac life
support, elective and emergent cardioversion, pericardiocentesis and appropriate EKG performance.
METHODOLOGY:
Duration:
Start Time:
End Time:
Attendings:
8 weeks
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Cardiology Division Faculty
PRINCIPAL TEACHING METHODS:
Teaching Rounds:
These are held daily with discussion of physiology, pathophysiology, differential
diagnosis and management of all patients in the CCU and inpatient Cardiology service.
Reading List:
Supplied by faculty as pertinent to patients.
Articles:
Supplied by faculty and other interested parties including pharmacology doctorate
faculty.
List:
Chapters and standard textbooks of medicine.
Conferences:
Daily Cardiology Division conferences are mandatory. Monthly Heart and Vascular
Center Mortality and Morbidity conference is mandatory, Fellows are encouraged to
attend Department of Medicine Grand Rounds
SUPERVISON:
Fellows are directly supervised in their patient care duties by the Cardiology Attending
Physician. The Cardiology Fellow supervises the Internal Medicine PGY 1, 2, and 3 plus
medical students when appropriate.
FELLOW EVALUATION:
Fellows are evaluated by the Attending each month using the standard Division evaluation form for each
competency. Patient Care is assessed based on direct observation, application of evidence based medicine and
chart review. Medical Knowledge is assessed through direct questioning on rounds. The resident must
demonstrate competent EKG interpretation. Professionalism is assessed based on observation of the resident’s
demeanor and behavior on this rotation. Interpersonal and Communication Skills are assessed by observing
the resident’s interactions with the patients, families, staff and collegues. System-Based Practice is evaluated
based on the resident’s ability perform in the team-setting, including interactions with the Discharge Planners,
nurses, PharmDs and other health care providers. Practice-Based Learning is evaluated based on the
resident’s ability to learn and improve his or her skills based on feedback, study, literature review and
appropriate application of evidence based medicine.