A one-of-a-kind, one-year Structural Heart training program dedicated to clinical, procedural, and research excellence
This structured and mentored fellowship provides a comprehensive clinic-to-procedure, heart team approach to education and training, preparing physicians to become leaders in advanced structural heart disease care. Fellows collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to conduct thorough evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans, and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Training occurs in state-of-the-art cath labs, hybrid ORs, and cardiac surgery suites, ensuring extensive procedural exposure.
As part of a nationally recognized institution, Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Plano is ranked for excellence in cardiovascular care.
The Program takes two fellows per year.
As the largest not-for-profit health care system in Texas and one of the largest in the United States, Baylor Scott & White serves 41 counties through 53 hospitals, more than 1,300 access points, more than 7,100 active physicians, more than 59,000 team members and the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan.
Curriculum
This advanced fellowship offers hands-on, high-level training in the diagnosis and treatment of structural heart disease. Trainees will develop expertise in cutting-edge interventional procedures, advanced imaging, and collaborative patient care through a multidisciplinary heart team approach.
Procedures
Valvular interventions
- Balloon aortic and mitral valvuloplasty
- Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)
- Transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement (TPVR)
- Transcatheter mitral and tricuspid repair or replacement
- Paravalvular leak repair
Structural heart procedures
- Patent foramen ovale closure (PFO)
- Atrial and ventricular septal defect closure (ASD, VSD)
- Peri-device leak closure (PDL)
- Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO)
- Alcohol septal ablation
Electrosurgical techniques
Gain exposure to innovative structural heart electrosurgery methods, including:
- LAMPOON
- BASILICA
- UNICORN
- CLEVE
- SESAME
* Peripheral & Coronary Interventions - Optional and available based on clinical volume and interest
Advanced imaging education
Develop imaging expertise critical to planning and guiding procedures:
- 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)
- CT reconstruction
- Cardiac MRI
Outpatient and inpatient service
Multidisciplinary heart team outpatient clinics and inpatient valve service
- Engage in both inpatient and outpatient valve service
- Participate in collaborative decision-making and longitudinal care
Conferences
The Structural Heart Fellowship offers a comprehensive and immersive educational experience with a structured weekly schedule that integrates advanced imaging, multidisciplinary conferences, and hands-on procedural training. Fellows participate in daily activities that emphasize both clinical excellence and academic development.
| Day | Activities | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Mitral/tricuspid day surgical valve observation | 7:00 AM Weekly TAVI meeting |
| Tuesday | AM TEE/TTE imaging 1:00 PM Mitral clinic | 7:00 AM High-risk surgical weekly conference |
| Wednesday | TAVR Day / Cath lab day | 7:00 AM Cath conference |
| Thursday | AM CT/MRI Imaging 1:00 PM TAVR clinic | |
| Friday | TAVR Day/ Cath lab day |
This schedule ensures that fellows gain in-depth exposure to structural interventions, advanced cardiac imaging, surgical collaboration, and multidisciplinary decision-making
Fellows have the opportunity to attend at least one national conference during their fellowship to enhance their knowledge and network with leaders in the field.
Medical device training
With Program Director approval, fellows can participate in specialized courses focused on advanced structural heart interventions, including:
- TAVR: Edwards Sapien, Medtronic Evolut, Abbott Navitor
- Mitral Valve Therapies: Edwards Pascal, Abbott MitraClip
- LAAO: Abbott Amulet/ Boston Scientific Watchman
These courses provide hands-on training and in-depth understanding of cutting-edge devices and techniques essential for structural heart care.
How to apply
Eligibility for US Medical Graduates
Applicants must have completed the following training to be considered for the fellowship:
- 3 years of Internal Medicine Residency
- 3 years of Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship
- 1 year of Interventional Cardiology Fellowship
Eligibility for International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
Applicants must have completed the following training to be considered for the fellowship equivalent to the US track education:
- ECFMG certification
- 3 years of Internal Medicine Residency
- 3 years of Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship
- 1 year of Interventional Cardiology Fellowship
Application requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials to Taline.Azadian@BSWHealth.org to be considered for the program:
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Personal statement
- ECFMG certificate
- USMLE and/or COMLEX Scores
- Baylor University Medical Center Universal Application
- Three letters of recommendation (one from Program Director)
Download universal application
Additional information:
- Program sponsorship: J-1 visa available
- No H1 sponsorship available
Learn more about Baylor Scott & White's housestaff appointment eligibility, including guidelines for international medical graduates.
Faculty and fellows
Our dedicated faculty, with diverse expertise and a passion for teaching, offers invaluable mentorship and our talented fellows bring enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to patient care. Together, they create a supportive community committed to excellence in medical education and compassionate care.
Join us in shaping the future of healthcare!
Research
Leading the way on early feasibility and landmark randomized controlled trials in the structural heart place
In collaboration with Baylor Research Institute, Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano participates in over 120 active clinical trials. Our involvement in these studies supports device therapy validation and approval through retrospective analyses, case series, conference presentations, and publications in medical journals.
Fellows participate in this robust research program, contributing to randomized multicenter trials, outcomes studies, and funded investigator-initiated projects. Fellows work closely with faculty on research aligned with their interests, gaining valuable experience in critical thinking and innovative research.
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Recent publications from fellows
SESAME to Treat Subaortic Membrane: First-in-Human Experience
Institution of a formal multidisciplinary heart team for high-risk coronary revascularization
Occupational Safety in the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory: Time for Better Ergonomics
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia After Mitral Valve Replacement
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement after valve-sparing aortic root surgery
Does Elective Sternal Plating in Morbidly Obese Patients Reduce Sternal Complication Rates?
Center-Related Variation in Cardiac Stress Testing in the 18 Months Prior to Renal Transplantation
Working at Baylor Scott & White Health
Stipend and benefits
In addition to competitive stipends, we offer our residents a full menu of employee benefits. We help offset the cost of many of these benefits; others are options you can choose to pay for yourself.
Well-being resources
As a Baylor Scott & White graduate medical trainee, there are a variety of resources available to you, ensuring you get the most out of your educational experience. In addition to these resources, Office of Professionalism and Well-Being is available to support all members of our team.
Life in Plano
With excellent public and private schools, low crime and affordable homes, Plano provides a great environment to raise a family.
Contact us
Taline Azadian
Program Administrator
Phone: 469.814.3518
Fax: 469.814.4854
Email: Taline.Azadian@BSWHealth.org
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Drive
Plano, TX 75093