Geriatric Cardiology is an emerging field and this Fellowship Program is designed to equip cardiology and geriatric trainees with specialized knowledge and skills to address the unique needs of older adults with cardiovascular conditions. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles of cardiology and geriatric medicine to comprehensively assess and manage older complex cardiac patients such as those presenting with heart failure, valvular disease, and multiple comorbidities. Through a holistic approach, trainees will learn to recognize and address geriatric syndromes such as frailty, cognitive impairment, and falls, which often accompany cardiovascular disease in the aging population. By emphasizing comprehensive assessment and tailored care plans, the trainee will learn to effectively minimize iatrogenic complications, reduce frailty, and enhance the overall quality of life for older adults with heart disease.

Overview

The Geriatric Cardiology Fellowship is a collaborative training program of six months for both Geriatric and Cardiology fellows who have a strong interest in geriatric syndromes/issues in a select subset of patients with cardiac disease.  An Advanced Geriatric Cardiology Fellowship program of 12 months is available for those who would like more experience in geriatric cardiology and who complete a scholarly project.

This geriatric patient population is particularly prevalent in the heart failure and valvular disease population. The McMaster Geriatric Cardiology Fellowship is committed to formal education provided in the form of protected academic half days, noon teaching rounds on inpatient rotations, journal clubs, regional geriatric and cardiology rounds and comprehensive curriculum emphasizing the knowledge, skills and attitude required to become a proficient Geriatric Cardiologist.

The program’s vision is to empower our learners to strive for excellence and innovation in all CanMEDS domains to become skilled, responsible, professional, competent and compassionate Geriatric Cardiology clinicians providing patient-centered care. The trainee will undertake the Fellowship at Hamilton Health Sciences/St. Joseph’s Healthcare/McMaster University.