In our comprehensive Cardiovascular Genetics Fellowship program, you will gain expertise in diagnosing and managing patients with inherited cardiovascular diseases while fostering opportunities for clinical and translational research. The program aims to develop the necessary skills to advance scientific knowledge and improve patient outcomes in the field of inherited cardiovascular diseases.

Fellowship Experience

Thank you for your interest in our one-year, non-ACGME accredited Cardiovascular Genetics Fellowship program. This fellowship is designed to offer advanced training in both the clinical and research aspects of cardiogenomics. Fellows will gain expertise in diagnosing and managing inherited cardiovascular diseases, while also contributing to groundbreaking research that aims to improve patient outcomes through personalized medicine.

The fellowship provides an immersive, mentored experience at UAB's Cardiogenomics Clinic, which is a leader in personalized care for hereditary cardiovascular conditions. Fellows will have access to a wide range of specialty clinics across UAB’s medical campus, including the 1,200-bed UAB Hospital, UAB Hospital Highlands campus, and The Kirklin Clinic. Additionally, fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts from multiple disciplines, ensuring a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to cardiovascular genomics.

Clinical Training

The clinical training aspect of the Cardiovascular Genetics Fellowship involves extensive hands-on experience in specialized outpatient clinics. Fellows will rotate through a variety of clinics, gaining in-depth exposure to the diagnosis and management of inherited cardiovascular diseases such as hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy, cardiac amyloidosis, genetic arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death, among others.

Fellows will also have opportunities to further specialize in areas like medical genomics, genetic counseling, biomedical informatics, cardiac imaging, and medical ethics through elective rotations. These rotations will enable fellows to gain experience in multidisciplinary collaboration, working closely with cardiologists, genetic counselors, pathologists, and imaging specialists. This exposure is designed to equip fellows with the expertise needed to manage a diverse range of inherited cardiovascular conditions, ultimately preparing them for leadership roles in both clinical practice and research.

Research Opportunities

Fellows will play an active role in advancing cardiovascular genomics research through extensive research opportunities. They will have access to a wide array of genomic research databases, including the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative (AGHI), the UK Biobank, and datasets from eMERGE, TOPMED, and ClinGen. These resources will be invaluable for fellows conducting basic discovery science, clinical research, and community-engaged research.

Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials, including studies focused on novel therapies, gene editing technologies, and precision medicine approaches for inherited cardiovascular diseases. These research opportunities are designed to provide fellows with the expertise and experience necessary to make significant contributions to the field of cardiogenomics, advancing both the scientific understanding and clinical management of cardiovascular genetic disorders.

Teaching Conferences

Our fellows will attend weekly conferences focused on cardiovascular genomics, clinical research, and the latest advancements in genetic medicine. In addition to clinical conferences, fellows will participate in journal clubs, seminars, and small group discussions. Furthermore, fellows are encouraged to enhance their knowledge by taking part in external educational opportunities, including advanced courses offered by the American Heart Association (AHA) or through UAB’s graduate school in bioinformatics, data science, and genomics.

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