Beyond a mix of didactic sessions, case-based learning, and personal insight, the meeting offers time for fun and networking.
The annual Fellows Course put on by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) takes place this week in Miami Beach, FL, running from May 14 to 17.
With up-and-coming interventional cardiologists attending from across the globe, the didactic meeting will include sessions on a broad range of practical topics and case-based lessons as well as insights into the experiences of the field’s leading experts. I’m sure a little bit of fun is also to be expected, especially given the meeting’s prime location at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
As Section Editor of TCTMD’s Fellows Forum, I’ll be traveling down to Florida’s Gold Coast to network with fellows and stay up to date on the latest trends, concerns, and ideas related to early-career interventionalists. I’ll also be filming segments for our Fellows in Focus series on topics relevant to trainees. You can reach me via email in the lead-up to the meeting or on-site, even if it’s just to say hello. I’m looking forward to connecting with many of you there.
The Fellows Course begins with a hands-on imaging session on Thursday for approved fellows and then the conference officially kicks off Thursday evening with a welcome reception followed by a special moderated discussion. Here, fellows will be treated to talks from Carlos Collet, MD, PhD (CRF, New York, NY), on decision-making under pressure; Margaret McEntegart, MD (NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY), on thinking like an elite athlete; and Ajay Kirtane, MD (NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center), on balancing work and personal health. This session is always one of my favorites, as the speakers get quite candid and honest about their personal struggles while leaving the room amazingly inspired.
From there, Friday begins with sessions on Cath Lab 101 and Fundamental Concepts in PCI. Before and after lunch, fellows will have cine review sessions as well as a chance to visit exhibits (and find me to answer some fun questions on camera!). That evening, attendees will be broken into seven groups for another of my favorite course traditions: Fireside Chats. In these, fellows will be paired with two or three course directors or speakers who will offer advice for how to pursue a career in interventional cardiology plus answer questions in a less-formal environment. You’ll have to imagine the campfire and s’mores, but the vibes are the same.
The second full day is dedicated to intravascular physiology and imaging, complex PCI, and endovascular fundamentals. A third cine review session caps off the afternoon. Finally, Sunday includes a session on structural heart disease as well as one on managing complications. In the latter, fellows will be invited to present cases for a competition. The winner will be invited to present their case at TCT 2026 this fall.
Beyond the main events, fellows are encouraged to play the passport game which will allow them to earn prizes based on how many exhibits they visit. They are also able to network and ask questions of panelists within a WhatsApp group accessible only to registered attendees.
Note: CRF is the publisher of TCTMD.