A Flexible Foundation for Future Cardiologists

The Traditional Track of the Washington University General Cardiology Fellowship offers a comprehensive and adaptable three-year training experience. It is designed for fellows who seek a strong clinical foundation while maintaining the flexibility to explore a wide range of academic and professional interests.

Overview

Fellows in the Traditional Track complete two years of core clinical training, fulfilling all ACGME/COCATS requirements and gaining broad exposure to the full spectrum of cardiovascular care. The third year is highly customizable, allowing fellows to tailor their experience based on evolving interests and career goals.

This track is ideal for:

  • Fellows pursuing advanced subspecialty training, such as interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure, adult congenital heart disease, or cardiovascular imaging. The third year can be structured to provide early exposure and preparation for competitive subspecialty fellowships.
  • Fellows who are undecided about their long-term path and want to explore different areas of cardiology before committing to a specific focus.
  • Fellows interested in academic medicine, medical education, or clinical research, who want to integrate scholarly activity into their training without committing to a dedicated research pathway.

What We Look for in Traditional Track Applicants

Applicants to the Traditional Track are reviewed through a collaborative and multidisciplinary lens, with input from faculty across the full spectrum of cardiovascular subspecialties. This approach ensures that each applicant is evaluated not only for their clinical and academic strengths, but also for their potential to thrive in a dynamic, flexible training environment.  Applications are reviewed for:

  • Clinical readiness and ability to manage complex cardiovascular conditions
  • Intellectual curiosity and openness to exploring various subspecialty areas
  • Potential for growth into a future leader—whether as a clinician, educator, or researcher
  • Alignment with the program’s collaborative culture, including teamwork, communication, and professionalism

This broad-based review allows us to identify fellows who may ultimately pursue advanced training in areas such as interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure, or imaging—even if they are still exploring those interests at the time of application.