The Fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at Boston University Medical Center offers unique access to research opportunities spanning clinical trials, basic cardiology research, and basic science investigations. Research opportunities are available at both Boston Medical Center and the VA Boston Healthcare System.
Fellows are expected to engage in a research or academic project – such as original research, clinical case presentations, or reviews – during their three-year fellowship. Ample time is provided throughout the fellowship, with dedicated research time in the third year. Additional time and training is available for those pursuing academic research careers, supported by funding mechanisms accessible to cardiology faculty.
Fellows may elect to organize their clinical training in the following pathways:
Standard Track
Most fellows follow the standard three-year track, with two years of structured rotations and a third year focusing on Level II training in subspecialties such as echocardiology, cardiac MRI, nuclear science, or clinical research. An optional fourth year is available for academic development, supported by NIH-sponsored mechanisms, including a longstanding NIH-funded Basic Science Training Grant active at Boston University for 30 years.
Research Track
Each year, one to two fellows join the research track, typically those with prior research experience or a strong interest in independent research. These fellows dedicate 1-2 years to research training under the mentorship of accomplished cardiovascular investigators, focusing on either basic or patient-oriented research. After their research training, they complete 24 months of core clinical training, meeting board eligibility requirements and achieving Level I competency in all areas of cardiovascular medicine.
Research Opportunities Available to Fellows at BMC
CREST Program
Fellows have the opportunity to enhance their clinical experience with research training in statistical methods and clinical investigative techniques. The Boston University School of Medicine’s CREST Program (Clinical Research Training) is available to interested Cardiovascular Medicine Fellows and culminates in Masters of Arts in Clinical Investigation from the BU School of Public Health.
T32 in Cardiovascular Epidemiology
In this program, fellows receive mentorship through a research project under the guidance of an NIH-funded researcher. This program provides fellows with the opportunity to refine their skills in basic research, epidemiology, writing, and statistics.
For more information on the Multidisciplinary T32 Training Program in Cardiovascular Epidemiology, please refer to their website.
Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute
The Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute is a collaborative partnership between Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, bringing together principal investigators and laboratories dedicated to basic science research in cardiovascular disease. Cardiology fellows have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research at the institute, located on the Boston University Medical Campus.
For more information, please refer to the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Website.
Framingham Heart Study
The Framingham Heart Study, a collaborative project between Boston University and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute, is globally recognized for its groundbreaking epidemiological research on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. During their time at Boston Medical Center, cardiology fellows have the opportunity to contribute to this landmark study, furthering their expertise in cardiovascular research.
For more information, please refer to the Framingham Heart Study website.
