Curriculum

Cardiovascular Medicine Core Curriculum (CMCC Series)

Over the course of 10 months, one-hour lectures are offered twice weekly for a total of approximately 80 hours of instructional time. The CVMCC comprises a wide range with deep focus on arrhythmia disorders, vascular disease, general cardiology, heart failure, and preventative cardiology. Although welcome to attend all lectures, TPTCS trainees will be required to select and attend one session and present a brief report along with other members of the cohort during the final Launchpad session each semester. For both PhD and MD post-doctoral fellows, the lecture series fosters clinical understanding needed to make pathophysiologic correlations, encourages collaborations, and creates inspirational pathways for independent investigation.

Clinical Integration for Basic Scientists

TPTCS trainees are invited to attend Cardiovascular Medicine Grand Rounds and the Inherited Arrhythmia Case Conference. These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for trainees to broaden their understanding of the clinical significance of their education in journal clubs and at the bench, and to integrate clinical practice with basic science mechanism. For those seeking more, arrangements will be coordinated by Dr. Eckhardt, TPTCS Co-director, and Dr. Mohamed Hamdan, Director of Cardiovascular Medicine, for in-depth clinical experiences in their areas of interest. Opportunities will be offered with providers conducting ablation for atrial fibrillation, inserting implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and managing catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and long QT syndrome (in the Inherited Arrhythmia Clinic) and heart failure (HF and transplant Clinic).

Launchpad

A program-specific professional development workshop required for all TPTCS and “T32-adjacent” trainees. The goal is to provide career preparation specific to their training paths. This biweekly workshop is held during Fall and Spring semesters, directed by the TPTCS leadership team. The topics will be offered with individual trainees in mind, including 1) fellowship or grant preparation; 2) how to get a job; 3) preparing an effective CV, resume, or biosketch; 4) how to manage collaborations; 5) methods for effective and culturally sensitive mentoring; 6) laboratory, project, and budget management, among others.