Heart and Vascular Institute Research Fellowship Program

The Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) Research Fellowship program is a 12-month research-focused training program designed to provide internal medicine and general surgery residents (from WVU as well as other institutions) with the opportunity to participate in basic, translational or clinical research and engage in curriculum-driven exposure to research techniques objectives, quality initiative projects, grant proposals, statistical analysis and evaluation of clinical outcomes. They will learn to plan, coordinate, and implement research studies and trials in accordance with HVI strategy and policy in a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art training environment. The fellowship is led by program director and vice chair for clinical affairs, Jeremiah Hayanga, M.D.

Mission

The mission of the HVI Research Fellowship Program is to provide fellows with a strong foundation of the research skills necessary for a successful career in academic medicine. HVI research fellows will receive training from multiple mentors within the footprint of HVI, while also providing those mentors with expanded project support.

Duration

The HVI Research Fellowship Program is a one-year program with the expectation of enrolled fellows simultaneously pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Clinical and Translational Sciences at the WVU School of Medicine. Fellows can accrue up to 34 credit hours through this program.

Curriculum Overview

Throughout the program’s 12-month curriculum, fellows can expect to accomplish the following:

  • Learn the roles and responsibilities of principal investigators and co-investigators for research projects
  • Develop independent research objectives, projects and proposals
  • Conduct individual or collaborative research
  • Identify sources of funding and write grant proposals
  • Write and contribute to publications and disseminating research findings
  • Analyze, interpret and evaluate research outcomes
  • Develop new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding
  • Develop ideas for innovation to advance standards of care and practice
  • Evaluate health services research outcomes
  • Learn to analyze data sets
  • Develop critical thinking, analytical and practical research inquiry skills
  • Build a foundation for utilizing evidence-based medicine
  • Increase skills in critical appraisal, research design and the understanding of the entire medical research process
  • Publish articles or abstracts in peer-reviewed journals
  • Present research posters, papers and/or projects at conferences
  • Develop personal and group leadership skills necessary for advancement in clinical practice and research
  • Develop strategies for clinical research and medical information

Location

This fellowship program is housed at the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, located at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Apply

Those interested in applying for this program can do so by filling out and submitting the online fellowship application form.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and a full review and interview process will follow. Applicants must be in good academic standing with their current program(s) and will be expected to remain in good standing during the entirety of this fellowship’s duration. See the full list of eligibility requirements below:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a course-relevant subject or Ph.D.
  • Legal resident in the United States
  • Eligibility for unrestricted West Virginia license
  • A one-year commitment to conduct basic, translational or clinical research
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to communicate complex and conceptual ideas to a wide range of audiences
  • Ability to collaborate actively within the University and externally with other institutions
  • Ability to complete research projects and advance concepts and ideas
  • Ability to identify sources of funding, generate income, obtain consultancy projects or build relationships for future activities
  • Ability to balance the pressures of research, administrative demands and competing deadlines
  • Ability to provide service to the Heart and Vascular Institute through clinical shift coverage
A head shot photo of Paul Rothenberg, M.D..

Paul Rothenberg, M.D.

Surgery

“West Virginia has numerous health disparities, especially within vascular surgery. This makes our training always feel specialized for our patients and our region, which has been a great benefit to my education.”