Applications to the Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Program are accepted through ERAS starting in July.

Deadline

Pediatric Cardiology participates in the Subspecialty Match through NRMP. Applications will be accepted through ERAS and will be reviewed starting in July each year.

Application Materials

Please include the following documents with your application:

  • Personal statement describing your interest and training goals
  • Resume/curriculum vitae
  • Medical school dean’s letter
  • Letters of recommendation from your pediatric residency director letter, as well as two additional faculty (or other appropriate individuals of your choice). The Pediatric Cardiology Reference Form or Evaluation form must be completed for each letter of recommendation submitted. 
  • USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 examination scores
  • Copy of medical school diploma
  • Copy of ECFMG certificate (applies to international medical graduates only)
  • Copy of permanent visa (if applicable)

Applications are due August 8, 2025. Interviews will be conducted late August through early October.

Program Eligibility Criteria

U.S. Allopathic Medical School Graduates
  • Passing all three levels of USMLEs with no more than one failure.
  • Application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) including:
    • A minimum of three letters of recommendation (letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible)
    • Dean’s letter
    • Medical school transcript verifying appropriate medical education to train in a large teaching hospital
    • Personal statement (there are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a pediatric cardiology fellowship and argue why you would be a good candidate)
    • Photograph. 
    • We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter.”
  • History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.

Osteopathic Medical School Graduates
  • COMLEX Step 1 and Step 2 scores of at least 500 or USMLE Step 1 score of at least 200 on the first attempt.
  • Application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) including:
    • A minimum of three letters of recommendation (letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible)
    • Dean’s letter
    • Medical school transcript verifying appropriate medical education to train in a large teaching hospital
    • Personal statement (there are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a pediatric cardiology fellowship and argue why you would be a good candidate)
    • Photograph. 
    • We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter.”
  • History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.

International Medical School Graduates
  • USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores of at least 225 on first attempt. Scores must be available before you can be considered for an interview.
  • Passing grade on the CSA or USMLE Step 2 CS on the first attempt.
  • Previous degree in U.S., (i.e. MPH) is also desirable.
  • Application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) including:
    • A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation (letters from pediatric supervisors are preferable if possible)
    • Dean’s letter
    • Medical school transcript verifying appropriate medical education to train in a large teaching hospital
    • Personal statement (there are no specific requirements for the personal statement but in general it should explain why you are interested in a pediatric cardiology fellowship and argue why you would be a good candidate)
    • Photograph.
    • We do not require a “Chairman’s Letter.”
  • History of and commitment to treating and/or advocating for and/or conducting research for children and/or adolescents.

The Interview

Interviews will be done virtually via Zoom.

New fellow orientation begins July 1. Please be available for July 1 orientation and be licensed in the state of Iowa by June 30.

Questions

Please contact our fellowship program coordinator listed at the bottom of this page, or contact fellowship leaders.

Learn about our program

Pediatric Board Certification

Medical specialty certification in the United States is a voluntary process which serves multiple purposes for the trainee and the public.

Certification:

  • Is one mission of the training program to produce trainees who meet board eligibility criteria
  • Distinguishes a physician as someone with a distinct level of expertise
  • Provides more opportunities when applying for employment
  • Presents resources and tools by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
  • A commitment to life-long improvement for providing the best patient care
  • Elevates physicians into the ranks of doctors committed to the highest standards of healthcare

For more information visit the American Board of Pediatrics for specifics on board certification requirements.