The BIDMC EP training program curriculum spans the entire range of electrophysiology, ranging from molecular and cellular electrophysiology, clinical laboratory-based EP, to population-based arrhythmia work, including genetics. The material is taught by world-recognized experts and leaders, drawn from our fulltime faculty, as well as outside visiting professors. In addition, it includes instruction in anatomy, using autopsy specimens, to provide the trainees with a unique perspective to improve their understanding of cardiac structure, as it relates to ablation. A special emphasis is placed on correlating ECG characteristics with cardiac anatomy. Fellows learn how to evaluate and manage patients with cardiac arrhythmias, and are trained in the appropriate use and performance of diagnostic tests for arrhythmias. Fellows are trained in non-invasive and invasive electrophysiologic studies, all types of catheter ablation and mapping, left atrial appendage occlusion devices, cardiac device extraction and appropriate use and implantation of pacemakers, defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization devices. There is emphasis on both implantation technique and long-term management of implanted cardiac electrical devices.
All fellows are required to participate actively in research. Research projects range from fundamental (molecular and cellular) research to clinical research projects, including outcomes research. In addition, some fellows participate in our whole animal research lab. We have instituted dedicated research time in the fellowship; this arrangement has ranged from an entire year devoted to translational research to one week per month for clinical outcomes research. Fellows are actively encouraged to submit and present their research to national meetings. Fellows actively participate in teaching of medical students, medical residents and clinical cardiology fellows.
Teaching sessions are conducted every day: Monday through Friday from 07:30-08:00 a section-wide meeting is held to review cases, discuss management of arrhythmia consults and review the plan for laboratory procedures each day. Tuesday mornings from 07:00-07:30 an electrophysiology attending physician presents “intracardiac unknowns” with recordings for the fellows to interpret. Wednesday mornings from 07:00-07:30 Dr. Buxton and Dr. Yang review the figures from each chapter of Dr. Mark Josephson’s textbook of electrophysiology with the fellows. Wednesday mornings from 08:00-09:00 a weekly didactic lecture is conducted by one of the faculty or a visiting professor. Fellows also participate in these sessions by presenting a journal club article for review 1-2 times per year. Quarterly morbidity and mortality reviews are conducted. Thursday mornings from 07:00-07:30 ECG teaching conference is conducted. Friday mornings from 07:00-07:30 fellows present intracardiac recordings from procedures they have performed.