CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY
& PACING
(Cardiology Unit IV) - CMC VELLORE
Treating Abnormal Heart Rhythms
We are proud to announce the availability of two fellowship programs under our prestigious Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology division, specifically tailored to train passionate cardiologists in the field of EP.
Fellowship Programs
National EP Fellowship Program
This is a one-year, university-recognized course in Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology. Applications for the course are available every February and March on https://admissions.cmcvellore.ac.in/. The entrance exam takes place between May and June, followed by interviews in July and August. The examination consists of questions related to Cardiac Electrophysiology that a Cardiologist is expected to know. These topics are covered in standard cardiology textbooks, such as Braunwald. The interview evaluates the clinical aptitude and knowledge of the candidates, involving discussions based on ECGs, electrophysiology traces, and clinical cases. The course begins in September.
International EP Fellowship Program
This is a two-year fully funded program in Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology. Applicants must submit their Curriculum Vitae to the Program Director at cardio.ep@cmcvellore.ac.in or johnroshanjacob@gmail.com. Those who are shortlisted will be required to provide three letters of reference and complete an online assessment. The assessment will include a case-based discussion on patient evaluation, interpretation of investigations, and management strategies. Once selected, candidates must obtain clearance and licensing approval from the National Medical Commission.​The course begins in April.
What we do
Since the 1970s, CMC has made significant strides in providing electrophysiology (EP) services, culminating in the official establishment of the unit in 2009. This progress has resulted in a specialized unit equipped with a dedicated catheterization laboratory (Cath-lab) and a separate device follow-up clinic, staffed by skilled personnel committed to patient care. The unit also excels in conducting comprehensive arrhythmia assessments and integrating advanced 3-D mapping technology for complex ablation procedures.
Training Offered
In this training program, you will gain supervised experience in managing cardiac arrhythmias in both outpatient and inpatient settings. This will include training on consultations and follow-ups related to cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), as well as programming and troubleshooting these devices. You will receive hands-on, progressive training to help you become proficient in interpreting ECGs related to arrhythmias and CIED tracings. Additionally, you will learn how to perform simple ablations, as well as the implantation of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).
Requirements
As a fellow, you will be required to work on and publish two papers. You are also expected to present these papers at a national-level conference while actively participating in the research activities of the department. Throughout the course, you will be responsible for maintaining a logbook that documents all procedures you perform or assist with.
Assessment
Your performance will be evaluated by your supervisors every six months. Assessments will cover your patient care, subject knowledge, and practical skills. At the end of the course, you will take an exit exam. You will only receive your fellowship degree upon successfully completing the course and achieving at least 75% on the exit examination.
Graduation
After the completion of your course, you will be invited to be honoured in a grand graduation ceremony. This ceremony at Christian Medical College, Vellore is splendid and awe-inspiring.​There is an option for a second year of training to master cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implants and complex ablations if you have a passion for EP.