Clinical Training

The Pediatric Cardiology fellowship is a three-year program, with 24 months dedicated to clinical rotations, and 12 months dedicated to research. Pediatric Cardiology fellows complete a variety of rotations spread out over the 3 years of training, which include inpatient service, cardiac intensive care, outpatient care, exercise laboratory, electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization, as well as non-invasive imaging (transthoracic/transesophageal/fetal echocardiography, axial imaging and nuclear medicine). The overall goals and objectives of these rotations should be seen as a continuum with progressive acquisition of knowledge and skills expected over the course of the fellowship.

In general, the main emphasis of fellowship training during the first year is acquisition of knowledge and insight into general principles and common cardiac diseases; development of technical and imaging skills (in particular transthoracic echocardiography); understanding the basics of cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures, and decision-making and clinical management skills. The main focus of the second year is solidifying the knowledge base gained in year 1, with an emphasis on finding and understanding scientific evidence, becoming proficient in leadership skills, systems skills, and gaining independence in decision making. The main focus of the third year is to continue solidifying the knowledge and technical/imaging skills acquired during the first two years of training, while demonstrating more clinical autonomy and finalizing a research project.

8 weeks – Echocardiography
8 weeks – Inpatient consulting service (PICU/CICU, wards and emergency room)
4 weeks – Primary CICU service
4 weeks – Cardiothoracic surgery
4 weeks – Electrophysiology
4 weeks – Cardiac catheterization
16 weeks – Research
4 weeks – Vacation

8 weeks – Echocardiography
8 weeks – Inpatient consulting service (PICU/CICU, wards and emergency room)
4 weeks – Primary CICU service
4 weeks – Advanced imaging (CT/MRI/fetal)
4 weeks – Electrophysiology
4 weeks – Cardiac catheterization
16 weeks – Research
4 weeks – Vacation

10 weeks – Inpatient consulting service (PICU/CICU, wards and emergency room)
2 weeks – Primary CICU service
4 weeks – Advanced imaging (CT/MRI/fetal)
4 weeks – Electrophysiology (EP)
8 weeks – Catheterization lab
20 weeks – Research
4 weeks – Vacation

Clinical Training Environment

Physicians in exam room with pediatric patient and mother, examining baby in mothers arms

The Pediatric Heart Center at UC Davis Children's Hospital is inland Northern California's only full-service facility for children and young adults with congenital and acquired heart disease offering the most advanced testing and treatments for a range of congenital or acquired cardiovascular conditions. Our integrated multidisciplinary team of two congenital heart disease surgeons, ten pediatric cardiologists and six nurse practitioners/PAs along with other pediatric subspecialists and researchers offer Northern California's most sophisticated and specialized expertise in cardiac imaging, diagnostic, interventional, hybrid procedures and cardiac surgery. UC Davis has a well-recognized cardiac catheterization program providing the full spectrum of interventional and hybrid procedures and have a successful track record of training advanced interventional fellows at our program.

Physician in cath lab with full gear and scrubs using computer

Other specialized cardiac services of the program include echocardiography (including transthoracic, fetal, transesophageal, IVUS, and intracardiac), cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing, electrophysiology testing, radiofrequency and cryoablation and (lead and leadless) pacemaker services. Other advanced subspecialty cardiac clinics offered include cardiomyopathy and heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, adult congenital heart disease, and interstage for single ventricle infants, dyslipidemia. To provide more flexibility, accessibility, and timely care for pediatric cardiology patients, the Pediatric Heart Center treats patients in both Sacramento and throughout Northern California at various outreach sites.

Physician and pediatric patient in exam room with her mother

With more than 120 physicians in 33 pediatric subspecialties, the UC Davis Medical Center Pediatrics is a 121-bed hospital housed within the 619-bed main hospital. It is the only designated Children's Hospital in the Sacramento region, and is known for offering comprehensive, compassionate, family-centered care. UC Davis Children's Hospital is distinguished for its outstanding congenital heart program and its internationally recognized telemedicine programs. UC Davis Children's Hospital has a 49-bed level 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a 24-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit/Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. UC Davis Medical Center is a Baby-Friendly designated birth center.

The UC Davis Children’s Hospital is based on the UC Davis Health campus in Sacramento, Calif. and serves a population of over 1 million children in the Northern California, Central Valley and Western Nevada regions. Sacramento is an easily accessible, family-oriented city in close proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the California coast, and Napa Valley.

Clinical Training | Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship | Academic Programs | Pediatrics | UC Davis Heath

Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship

Clinical Training Environment

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