Cardiology Track

St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania is one of the first places in the country to offer an exclusive cardiology track for internal medicine residents. This program is based on a pilot run by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American College of Cardiology. It is designed to enable a highly motivated and well-qualified candidate to complete three years of internal medicine residency training that is optimally tailored to prepare you for entry into a cardiology fellowship. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated interest in the specialty of cardiology, with strong board scores, a high-class rank, and excellent letters of recommendation. Internal medicine or cardiology-related research is strongly encouraged, but not required. Due to the incredibly demand for this track it has been decided to have interested candidates apply and be selected during their second year of training rather than prior to starting their residency here. This allows the candidates more time to decide if cardiology is right for them, develop and pursue their own research interests, and connect with mentors within the Department of Cardiology.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does applying to the IM-Cardiology track work?
   Interested residents apply to the Categorical Internal Medicine track through NRMP. Then at the end of their first-year express interest in the Cardiology track. Select second years have additional cardiology rotations during the academic year, apply and interview for the track. If selected, they officially start in the track in January of their second year.
2. How is the IM-Cardiology track different?
   There is additional time set aside in the schedule for specific Cardiology training. During the second year, there are two months of Cardiology (general and heart failure) in place of electives. Their also three blocks in the third year on Cardiology electives to better prepare you for fellowship. These are typically focused on echocardiography, electrophysiology, and interventional cardiology. In addition to these added rotations, there are also Cardiology-related mentorship and research opportunities available as well.
3. Are there any minimum USMLE scores for this track?
   No, we do not have a minimum required USMLE score. Although this is a very competitive track, our evaluation of your application is a holistic process, and you should not let a single poor score or grade deter you from applying.
4. Can I still go into cardiology at St. Luke’s if I don’t match into the track?
   Yes. We have successfully placed residents into cardiology before the track ever existed, and it is still an option if you don’t match into the track.
5. Can osteopathic physicians apply for this track?
   Definitely. We encourage all qualified physicians, who are interested, to apply to the track.
6. Does matching into this track guarantee me a spot in the St. Luke’s cardiology fellowship?
   No. Our hope is that you will apply to, and be accepted into, the cardiology fellowship here, but it is not a guarantee. If selected for the track you still must meet the requirements and expectations set forth by the Department of Cardiology and the fellowship program.
7. What if I would like to know more about this track?
   Please contact Janice Buczui at Janice.Buczui@sluhn.org.