Electrophysiology

Thank you for your interest in the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Training Program (CCEP) at the University of Minnesota. The cardiology division offers one and two year fellowship programs; however, preference is given to individuals interested in a two-year track that includes basic science and research. The CCEP fellowship is ACGME accredited for one year only.

Clinical Program
The majority of the EP cases are done at the University of Minnesota Medical Center where we perform approximately 90-120 pacemaker implants, 80-90 defibrillator implants, and 150-180 ablations per year. Fellows spend one-third of their clinical rotations at the VA Medical Center.  Our clinical program is very large and fellows can easily fulfill suggested guidelines as outlined by the Heart Rhythm Society and ACC/AHA.

Fellows starting in July 2009 will complete a one-year training program. In 2010, preference will be given to fellows who will complete a two-year training program which will include extended clinical training and protected research time.

Research Opportunities
We have an active research program with emphasis in area of syncope, LV based pacing systems, investigational defibrillators, and drug delivery systems. Basic science research has concentrated on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AV nodal physiology.

Educational Opportunities
In addition to attending weekly EP conferences that include discussion of clinical cases, literature review and research findings; cardiology fellows will assist in an annual CME course for primary care physicians, as well as participating in the teaching of cardiovascular fellows and house staff. We maintain an excellent list of guest speakers who visit the EP program each year.

Faculty
Wayne Adkisson, M.D., received his EP training at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1997.  He returned to join the faculty in 2007 after being in private practice.

The EP Director, David G. Benditt, M.D., received his EP training at Duke University. Former president of NASPE, Dr. Benditt is a noted authority on sinus node dysfunction, syncope, permanent pacing, and implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Jian-Ming Li, M.D., Ph.D. is the Director of Electrophysiology at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center and his M.D. at McGill University.  His research interests include the biochemistry and pharmacogenetics of amiodarone, and the pathogenesis of sudden cardiac death.

Fei Lu, M.D., Ph.D., joined our faculty in Fall 2002. He received his electrophysiology training at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago and has published extensively on the cellular effects of antiarrhythmic drugs, heart-rate variability and autonomic effects on ventricular arrhythmias.

Scott Sakaguchi, M.D., is director of the Clinical Cardiac Electrophyiology Fellowship Program. He completed his EP training at the University of Minnesota and his research interests include syncope in athletes and potassium currents involved in ventricular repolarization.

Venkat Tholakanahalli, M.D., is on the faculty at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis. He completed his Cardiology and Electrophysiology training at the University of Minnesota.  His clinical and research interests include the management of congestive heart failure and complex ablation. 

Application Process:
The online application form for the fellowship beginning on July 1, 2010 will be available on September 2, 2008.  To apply, please submit all of the following documents by March 31, 2009:

• A completed online Advanced Training Application Form
• Official medical school transcript (copy accepted)
• Official record of USMLE board scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement describing your experience, research interests and detailed career goals
• A valid ECFMG certificate (if you graduated from medical school outside the United States or Canada). Graduates who are not United States citizens or permanent residents must obtain a J-1 visa from the Education Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Please mail your application materials to:

University of Minnesota
Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellowship
Attn: Fellowship Coordinator
Mayo Mail Code 508
420 Delaware Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455