The faculty present an introductory lecture series for first year trainees to cover basic clinical topics in cardiovascular medicine. There is a weekly Cardiology Grand Rounds with speakers from UCSD and outside distinguished cardiologists who are invited to visit UCSD and spend time with the Cardiology Fellows. Weekly cardiac catheterization, graphics and cardiac transplantation conferences are held in conjunction with the cardiothoracic surgeons. Weekly research conferences highlight the research activities of UCSD faculty and visiting scientists. Trainees are involved in teaching medical students during their first year cardiovascular physiology course and teaching the cardiac history and physical examination to first and second year medical students.
Trainees also supervise medical students and medical house staff on clinical rotations.
The clinical rotations are integrated over all three years. In the first year, trainees are provided with intensive training in clinical cardiology. In the coronary care unit the fellow performs and supervises house staff in patient management and in performing invasive procedures and interpreting hemodynamic data. During the first year rotations, fellows receive training in the interpretation of electrocardiogram, Holter monitors, exercise stress testing, transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, evaluation of pacemakers, management of heart failure and cardiac transplant patients and training in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. A major emphasis of the second year of clinical training is to gain expertise in cardiac catheterization.