AFC Interventional Cardiology Program

There are typically three interventional fellows per academic year, rotating through a four-lab cardiac catheterization suite, including a dedicated diagnostic laboratory. Fellows assume graded responsibility as their skills progress, under close faculty supervision.

Clinical Responsibilities Include:

• Pre-procedure assessment and consent in the pre-assessment clinic
• Active participation as primary operator or assistant during procedures
• Post-procedural management and follow-up until discharge
• Management of patients transferred from community hospitals
• First-line clinical response to post-procedural concerns in collaboration with attending staff

The program offers exceptionally high procedural volumes, with over 2000 PCIs annually, ensuring broad and intensive clinical exposure.

Fellows gain experience in all aspects of modern interventional cardiology, including:

• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with contemporary stent platforms
• Intravascular imaging (IVUS, OCT)
• Coronary physiology and flow assessment
• Rotational atherectomy and complex lesion modification
• Primary PCI for ST-elevation myocardial infarction
• Management of acute coronary syndromes

Exposure to 24/7 primary PCI services provides extensive experience in emergency and high-acuity cases.

In collaboration with the Structural and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fellowship Program, fellows may gain exposure to advanced transcatheter interventions, including:

• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI)
• Transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve therapies
• Left atrial appendage closure
• Paravalvular leak closure
• Adult congenital diagnostic and interventional procedures

This integrated environment supports comprehensive training across the full spectrum of contemporary interventional cardiology.

The program maintains a strong academic focus, including:

• Weekly interventional cardiology rounds
• Case-based angiographic review and procedural planning sessions
• Monthly fellow-led educational rounds
• Participation in multidisciplinary conferences

Fellows are expected to actively contribute to teaching and scholarly discussions throughout the year.

Research is a mandatory and integral component of the AFC Interventional Cardiology Program. Fellows are expected to:

• Complete at least one major research project during the fellowship year
• Present research at national or international scientific meetings
• Submit work for peer-reviewed publication
• Present findings at institutional research days

The program provides access to statistical support and academic mentorship to facilitate successful scholarly output.

Fellow performance is assessed quarterly by the AFC Program Director and Program Committee using multiple evaluation tools, including:

• In-Training Evaluation Reports (ITERs)
• Procedural encounter cards
• Semi-annual written and OSCE-style examinations
• Multi-source (360-degree) feedback from faculty, nurses, and allied health professionals

This structured approach ensures progressive competency development aligned with CANMEDS standards.

The Dalhousie University Interventional Cardiology AFC Program follows a rolling recruitment and selection process.

To support clinical resource planning, research alignment, and—where applicable—immigration and credentialing requirements, the Selection Committee may begin reviewing applications and interviewing candidates approximately 18-24 months prior to the July 1 start date.

Applications are open to all eligible candidates and will be accepted until the formal deadline of:

Application Deadline: March 1

(15 months prior to the July 1 start date)

Applicants should note that, due to extended timelines required for licensing, institutional approvals, and visa processing—particularly for international applicants—positions may be provisionally offered earlier in the cycle to ensure feasibility of appointment.

To promote fairness and transparency, all candidates are strongly encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest as early as possible within the application window. Early submission allows sufficient time for comprehensive review and facilitates necessary administrative processes.

All selections are conditional upon final eligibility verification and formal appointment by the Office of Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME), as well as compliance with Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada entry requirements.

• July 1st, 2026 - Intake is FULL.
• July 1st, 2027 - Intake is FULL. 

Please submit your CV and interest in the program to breanna.simmons@nshealth.ca.