Training the Cardiologists of Tomorrow
The FIU/Baptist Health Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship provides a rigorous, comprehensive three-year training experience that prepares fellows for careers in academic and community cardiology. Fellows gain broad exposure to common and emerging cardiovascular conditions through high-volume, multidisciplinary clinical care.
Training occurs alongside board-certified cardiologists and national leaders within Baptist Health’s patient- and family-centered environment, across inpatient services and longitudinal outpatient settings. Fellows develop competence across all cardiology subspecialties, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice, procedural proficiency and progressive clinical autonomy.
Supported by robust clinical resources, dedicated mentorship and an academically rigorous learning environment, the program promotes scholarly activity, interdisciplinary collaboration and lifelong learning. Fellows engage in quality improvement, patient safety initiatives and professional development opportunities while maintaining flexibility to pursue individualized areas of interest aligned with future career goals.
Program Directors
Marcus St. John, M.D.
Program Director
Socrates Kakoulides, M.D.
Associate Program Director
Yasmine Quinones
Senior Program Administrator; FIU/Baptist Health Cardiovascular Disease Fellowship
cvd-bh@fiu.edu
Baptist Hospital
Baptist Hospital of Miami, the flagship of Baptist Health with over 900 beds, is a nationally recognized destination for advanced cancer, heart, and neuroscience care, offering leading-edge technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and the distinction of being Florida’s first and only six-time Magnet® Hospital for Nursing Excellence.
South Miami Hospital
For more than 65 years, Baptist Health South Miami Hospital has provided trusted, advanced care to southern Miami-Dade County with 24/7 emergency services, specialty expertise in heart, lung, spine, and bariatrics, leading-edge procedures and diagnostics, and comprehensive family care including a Level III NICU and maternity services.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide progressive, comprehensive training across the full spectrum of cardiovascular medicine. During the first two years, fellows rotate through high-volume clinical services, including cardiac catheterization, cardiac critical care, echocardiography, electrophysiology, nuclear cardiology and general cardiology, building a strong foundation in diagnostic, procedural and longitudinal patient care.
In the final year, fellows tailor their training through one of three tracks—advanced and structural imaging, catheterization and electrophysiology, or general cardiology with heart failure and preventive cardiology.
Longitudinal Experiences
The fellowship includes longitudinal training throughout the program, allowing fellows to build skills in invasive cardiology, cardiovascular imaging and cardiac rhythm management.
- Cardiac Catheterization Lab: Fellows work with interventional cardiology attendings to develop skills in coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization. Responsibilities include performing consults, evaluating and preparing patients for procedures, assisting with angiography and managing post-procedure care.
- Echocardiography Lab: Fellows receive hands-on training in cardiac imaging, including transthoracic (TTE), transesophageal (TEE) and stress echocardiography. Fellows interpret studies with faculty and learn to perform studies, with the goal of achieving Level II training for independent interpretation.
- Electrophysiology (EP) Lab: Fellows train in the diagnosis and management of cardiac arrhythmias. The rotation includes ECG and telemetry interpretation, device interrogation and participation in electrophysiology procedures such as pacemaker, ICD and ablation cases.
Program Application Requirements
Our program attracts, educates, and retains exceptional talent to serve the South Florida community.
Acceptance/admission to the program is contingent on the submission of all requested materials and meeting all eligibility requirements determined by the program.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Fellowship Prerequisites
- Prior to appointment to the fellowship, candidates must have completed an internal medicine training program that meets program eligibility requirements.
- Applicants who did not complete a qualifying internal medicine program must have completed a minimum of three years of internal medicine training prior to the start of the fellowship and must meet all criteria outlined in the Fellow Eligibility Exception Policy.
A Transformative Education
At FIU Medicine, your journey is enhanced by research, innovation and community outreach. Our programs empower the next generation of physicians with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to become leaders in the healthcare field.
Life in South Florida
Considered the gateway to the Americas, Miami is a culturally rich city, home to world-class shopping, award-winning restaurants, a vibrant art scene and endless adventure. The beautiful beaches and year-round tropical weather make the city an exceptional place to live and work.
No matter your mood, Miami always has something fun and exciting to do!
Get in Touch with Us
Are you interested in learning more about our residency and fellowship programs? Fill out the form below and get connected with one of our program coordinators.