Cardiac electrophysiology fellowship research + clinical trials

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research throughout their advanced Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology training. They are exposed to a wide variety of research opportunities, including basic science, translational, and clinical research. Many fellows participate in ongoing electrophysiology clinical trials and have the chance to present their findings at both local and national conferences. Additionally, fellows may have opportunities to publish their research in peer-reviewed journals.

The Molecular Cardiology Research Institute and the Division of Cardiology offer a range of research areas, particularly focusing on heart failure and ventricular function. Fellows work closely with experienced mentors to design a personalized research curriculum that is both educational and productive, providing valuable experience to advance their careers.

Fellowship goals + learning outcomes

Upon completing the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at Tufts Medical Center, each fellow will have the expertise to serve as a consultant in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. The curriculum ensures fellows acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to become ABIM-certified electrophysiologists.

Throughout the fellowship, fellows progressively take on more responsibility in patient care and procedures, with supervised training to develop the expertise required of a clinical electrophysiologist. Fellows are expected to achieve the following goals:

• Understand the principles of basic electrophysiology, including basic determinants of normal cardiac electrophysiology and abnormal pathophysiology.
• Understand the genesis of cardiac arrhythmias, including congenital and acquired arrhythmia syndromes and the action of anti-arrhythmic drugs.
• Develop advanced competency in the interpretation of surface electrocardiography and the interpretation of normal and abnormal intra-cardiac recordings.
• Learn to evaluate non-invasive testing modalities, such as ambulatory EKG recordings, telemetry, event recordings, signal-averaged EKGs, exercise and pharmacological stress testing, heart rate variability, and T-wave alternans in the management of cardiac electrophysiologic disorders.
• Understand the basic and advanced concepts underlying bradyarrhythmias (sinus node dysfunction, AV conduction disorders) and their management.
• Understand the basic and advanced concepts underlying supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmias, their evaluation and determining the best course of management to undertake.
• Understand the basic and advanced concepts behind primary electrophysiological disorders such as long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and hereditary cardiac conditions with pronounced electrophysiological manifestations such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Develop advanced skills in performing invasive electrophysiological evaluation, including principles of premature stimulation, evaluating the sinus node and the AV conduction system and the invasive evaluation of patients with supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias.
• Develop the necessary skills for the safe and competent catheter ablation of complex left- and right-sided supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, including trans-septal catheterization.
• Understand the concepts of mapping using both basic and advanced, electroanatomical, three-dimensional systems, contact and non-contact mapping in order to create anatomic, voltage and activation maps.
• Understand the role and use of advanced imaging techniques to help guide interventional procedures such as intracardiac echocardiography.
• Comprehend the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-arrhythmic and other drugs used in electrophysiology.
• Establish a comprehensive method to evaluate patients with electrophysiological disorders, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis and assess the future risk for sudden cardiac death in certain high-risk populations with cardiovascular disorders.
• Safely and competently perform electrical cardioversion.
• Develop advanced skills in the safe and successful implantation of pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices.
• Participate in and acquire the expertise to perform outpatient device evaluation in the pacemaker and ICD clinics.
• Be exposed to the principles of managing cardiac implantable electronic device infections including the principles and methods of lead extraction.

In close coordination with general cardiology fellows, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology fellows attend core competence lectures that cover essential topics, including risk management, ethics, biostatistics, combined cardiology/cardiothoracic conferences and morbidity and mortality conferences, providing a comprehensive educational experience to enhance their expertise and prepare them for leadership roles in both clinical practice and academia.

Comprehensive training experience in electrophysiology

Fellows in the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship at Tufts Medical Center receive comprehensive, hands-on training across a wide range of electrophysiology services. The program offers a structured, high-volume training experience, preparing fellows for both academic and clinical careers in electrophysiology.

Key training components include:

• Complex arrhythmia management: Fellows gain exposure to a diverse patient population with a broad spectrum of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and other life-threatening rhythm disorders.
• Device implantation: Fellows become proficient in the evaluation and implantation of cardiac devices such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTs).
• Catheter ablation procedures: Fellows are trained in performing catheter ablations for a wide variety of arrhythmias, including complex atrial and ventricular ablations.
• Lead extraction: Fellows receive experience with advanced techniques in lead extraction, ensuring competence in high-risk procedures.
• Advanced device management: Fellows gain expertise in the management of advanced cardiac devices, including remote monitoring and troubleshooting of devices.

Comprehensive exposure to inpatient and outpatient settings ensures that fellows gain a complete understanding of the day-to-day challenges in electrophysiology. In addition to clinical training, fellows are actively involved in teaching medical students, residents and other fellows, thereby enhancing their educational experience and developing their leadership skills.

How to apply to our Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship

We accept applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). All positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

To apply, please submit the following through ERAS:

Completed ERAS application form

• Personal statement
• Medical school transcript
• USMLE or COMLEX scores
• Three letters of recommendation (including one from your cardiology rotation or program director)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)

Application deadline: July 10

We welcome applicants who have completed or are in the process of completing an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency.

Expert cardiology faculty + residents shaping future heart specialists

At the heart of our Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship is a faculty deeply committed to academic medicine, mentorship and lifelong learning. Our program is led by nationally recognized educators, researchers and clinicians who are passionate about advancing cardiovascular care through rigorous training and inquiry.

Dedicated to training the next generation of cardiovascular leaders

Our faculty represent a wide range of clinical and research expertise—spanning interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, advanced imaging, heart failure and beyond. Each faculty member contributes to a robust academic environment that blends hands-on teaching with scholarly guidance. Fellows benefit from:

• Direct mentorship from experienced academic cardiologists
• Support for clinical and translational research
• Opportunities to present and publish alongside faculty
• A learning environment rooted in curiosity, compassion and collaboration

Mentorship that grows with your goals

We match fellows with mentors early in their training. These relationships often begin with shared projects and grow into long-term guidance on subspecialty focus, career direction and professional development. Many fellows form strong bonds with faculty that last well beyond graduation.

Our residents + fellows: Partners in academic medicine

Internal medicine residents and medical students from Tufts University School of Medicine are integral to our academic community. Fellows serve as teachers, mentors and role models, helping shape the educational experience of our trainees at every level. These interactions reinforce a culture of inquiry, leadership and continuous growth.

A collaborative, supportive culture

We take pride in creating a space where everyone—faculty, fellows, residents and students—is supported in their academic and personal growth. Our team values inclusivity, open dialogue and mutual respect, making Tufts Medical Center a vibrant place to train and grow.

Hands-on cardiovascular fellowship experience at Tufts Medical Center

The Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship at Tufts Medical Center offers a comprehensive and immersive training experience designed to develop well-rounded, clinically skilled and compassionate cardiologists. Fellows are fully integrated into the Division of Cardiology and the CardioVascular Center, engaging in a broad range of clinical, educational and research activities.

Our fully ACGME/RRC-accredited three-year program prepares fellows for diverse career paths, including academic cardiology, subspecialty training and community-based practice. Many graduates continue advanced training through our accredited programs or pursue careers as clinical or research leaders.

Subspecialty training opportunities

After completing core fellowship training, fellows are encouraged to pursue advanced training in subspecialty areas such as electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, heart failure and transplant cardiology, advanced cardiac imaging and academic research. Exceptional fellows interested in electrophysiology may qualify for an accelerated integrated residency program that combines general cardiology and electrophysiology training.

Mentorship + career development

We prioritize personalized mentorship to support each fellow’s unique goals. Faculty mentors provide guidance in clinical skills, research projects, career planning and professional growth. This tailored support helps fellows excel in academic medicine, subspecialty training or community cardiology leadership.

Affiliations + training sites

While most clinical training takes place at Tufts Medical Center, fellows also rotate through affiliated sites such as MelroseWakefield Hospital and MetroWest Medical Center. These rotations provide valuable exposure to community cardiology and diverse patient populations.

Educational conferences + lectures

Fellows participate in a robust curriculum of daily educational conferences that reinforce clinical and academic development. Each week includes:

• Monday: Fellows’ Conference – Core topics in cardiovascular medicine
• Cardiology Division Conference – Presentations by faculty and fellows
• Advanced Imaging Conference – Focused on multimodality cardiac imaging
• Catheterization Conference – Topics in interventional cardiology
• Electrophysiology Conference – Covers arrhythmias and EP procedures

Fellows are expected to present annually at the Cardiology Division, Advanced Imaging and Electrophysiology conferences as part of their professional training.

Additional conferences include EKG Conference, Cath Lab Conference, Preventive Cardiology Conference, Cardiology Grand Rounds, Imaging Conference and Medical Grand Rounds. Fellows also benefit from sessions on morbidity and mortality, research methodology, heart failure research and electrophysiology.

National + regional conference participation

Fellows are encouraged to present their research and clinical cases at major cardiovascular meetings such as:

• American College of Cardiology (ACC)
• American Heart Association (AHA)
• Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)
• Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT)
• Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA)

Mentorship is provided to support submissions, and travel funding is often available for accepted presentations.

Fellow resources

Our fellows have access to comprehensive resources to support their clinical, academic and professional development, including:

• The Naimi Fellowship Room — a dedicated workspace
• State-of-the-art conference rooms with advanced educational tools
• Full access to the Tufts University School of Medicine Library resources
• Robust online learning platforms for board preparation and research

These resources foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment for our fellows to thrive.