Cardiology Fellowship Program

MISSION:

to fully equip our next generation of doctors with all necessary skills for leadership roles in clinical care, education, and research within the field of cardiology.

Join a Legacy of Excellence in Cardiovascular Care

The Lakeland Regional Health Cardiology Fellowship is a dynamic and comprehensive three-year program, meticulously designed to prepare fellows for leadership roles in clinical care, education, and research within the field of cardiology. Our program focuses on fostering excellence through an immersive and hands-on experience in a supportive and academic environment.

Why Train at LRH?

We are a program centered on developing cardiologists who will be leaders within their specialty and use the most up-to-date practices and evidence-based medicine.

  • State-of-the-Art Facilities: Fellows will have access to advanced imaging technologies like cardiac MRI, CT imaging, 3D mapping for electrophysiology, and much more.
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from renowned cardiologists with expertise in all aspects of cardiovascular medicine.
  • Comprehensive Training Environment: Fellows receive exposure to both high-volume, complex cases and the latest medical technologies. Our cardiology fellowship program places balanced emphasis on clinical, academic, and research activities with excellence.
  • Supportive Community: Our fellowship fosters a culture of collaboration and mentorship, with an emphasis on professional development and academic growth. Our facilities are comfortable and modern, designed and built with the well-being of our residents and fellows in mind.
  • Beautiful Location: Enjoy a work-life balance in sunny Lakeland, Florida – offering affordable housing and abundant outdoor recreational activities.


We aim to remain a thriving workplace for everyone on our team. We are excited to welcome our fellows into our organization and support their personal and professional growth.

The 910-bed Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center is the primary clinical site for the Cardiology Fellowship Program and provides extensive opportunities for fellows to gain hands-on clinical experience with an underserved population that has a large diversity of pathology and medical needs.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

Focus on core cardiology skills, including inpatient care, heart failure, diagnostic imaging, and foundational clinical experience.

Second Year

Emphasis on specialized training in interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and exposure to cardiovascular surgery. Fellows will also have dedicated time for research and Precision Education project development.

Third Year

Advanced clinical training in subspecialties, with opportunities for independent practice and a leadership role in multidisciplinary care teams.

Key Rotations:

  • General Cardiology
  • Intensive Care
  • Cath / Interventional Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardiac Imaging (Nuclear, CT, MRI)
  • Echocardiogram / Stress Testing
  • Echocardiogram / Stress Testing
  • Cardiovascular Surgery – Fellows participate in cardiovascular surgery rotations to understand the interrelationship between surgical and medical management.
  • Cardiovascular Emergency Medicine – Hands-on experience managing acute cardiovascular emergencies in the ER setting.

Opportunity for Precision Education

Fellows will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with faculty and other healthcare professionals to co-create and implement Precision Education Projects, tailoring educational approaches to improve care for diverse patient populations.

A comprehensive on-site dedicated Simulation Lab offers procedural, POCUS, and standardized patient interaction skills, complementing and enhancing the cognitive skills learned through patient care.

Didactics

  • Monthly Cardiology Grand Rounds and Journal Clubs
  • Weekly Case Conference
  • Daily Fellows Didactic Conference
  •  Hands-on training in cutting-edge labs and clinical settings

Program Leadership

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Joel Fernandez, MD

Program Director

Read Bio

Where are you originally from?

Maryland

 

Where did you Attend Medical School and what year was your graduation?

University of Maryland School of Medicine

 

Where did you attend residency?

Jacobi/Montefiore/Einstein Emergency Medicine Residency Program

 

What is one reason residents should choose LRH EM Residency?

Residents will train in an exceptional clinical environment. The patient population and pathology are incredibly diverse with high patient volumes and high patient acuity. The residents will be exposed to the entire spectrum of Emergency Medicine and the curriculum was designed for the modern resident. Our residents will graduate from here as the best Emergency Medicine physicians that they can be.

 

What are your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy kayaking, fishing, and beaches. I also enjoy traveling and exploring different cultures and food.

 

What is your favorite thing about living in Lakeland or Central Florida?

The location is perfect for those who want warm weather, a diverse food scene, and easy access to beaches and theme parks. It is also a wonderful community to live in and become a part of.

 

Do you have any special interests in EM or medicine?

I have a strong interest in resident and medical student education.

 

What is your favorite activity in central Florida?

I enjoy exploring the many parks in the area as well as doing day trips to the beaches.

 

What is your favorite beach in Florida?

Fort De Soto and Anna Maria Island

Program Benefits and Highlights

Lakeland Regional Health offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to view the benefits package provided to LRH team members. Beyond our standard tuition reimbursement program, retirement plans, paid time off, and a comprehensive health and benefits plan, we also offer the following extended benefits for fellows of our Graduate Medical Education Program:

  • Accredited by ACGME
  • Rotation tracks: Clinical rotations in general cardiology, intensive care, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, heart failure, cardiovascular surgery, cardiovascular emergency medicine, and advanced imaging
  • Scholarly opportunities: Opportunities to engage in research, quality improvement projects, and co-creation of Precision Education initiatives
  • Mentorship: Personalized guidance from our experienced cardiology faculty and clinicians

Fellow Life

Photos coming soon!

Fellow Life | About Lakeland

Lakeland, the largest city in Polk County, has kept its small-town personality over the years and yet continues to become a vibrant and growing city. Conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando, Lakelanders have many ways to celebrate the climate, culture, and opportunities available both in the local area and throughout Central Florida. World-class shopping, major sports franchises, entertainment venues in Tampa and Orlando, and beaches on both the east and west coasts of Florida are all a quick drive away.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application via ERAS. Fellows will be chosen through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

NRMP Number: 2323141F0

Application Requirements:

  • Completed ERAS application
  • Current CV
  • Personal statement
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • USMLE Scores (or equivalent exams)

Application Deadline: N/A

Start Date: July 1, 2026

We are excited to welcome all candidates to apply for our Graduate Medical Education programs. However, please note that applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visas at this time. Thank you for understanding.

Contact Us

KESNEARSHA

Kesnearsha “Kes”
Dorvilier, MBA

Program Administrator

863.687.1100 ext. 3452

Or Email Us

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