Fellowship in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology & Pacing
Internationally Recognised Programme
The HRHF Clinic Fellowship in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology & Pacing is listed in the Heart Rhythm Society's global fellowship training repository — one of a very small number of programmes in India to carry this recognition. The Heart Rhythm Society is the world's leading professional organisation for cardiac electrophysiology, and its fellowship registry is the international benchmark for EP training programme standards.
Where Our Fellows Come From
The calibre of a training programme is reflected in the doctors it attracts. Every fellow who has trained at HRHF Clinic has been a qualified DM or DNB Cardiologist from a nationally recognised institution — and three of our five fellows have been AIIMS New Delhi graduates.
| Year | Fellow | Qualification | Training Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Dr. Sampath Kumar | DM Cardiology | AIIMS, New Delhi |
| 2023 | Dr. Sumit Kumar | DM Cardiology | AIIMS, New Delhi |
| 2024 | Dr. Chinmay Parale | DM Cardiology | JIPMER, Pondicherry |
| 2025 | Dr. Avishkar Agrawal | DM Cardiology | AIIMS, New Delhi |
| 2026 (Current) | Dr. Anuja Gadre | DM Cardiology | PGIMER, Chandigarh |
What You Will Train In — Minimum Procedural Numbers
Over the course of twelve months, each fellow assists and progressively performs the following procedures under direct supervision. These are minimum numbers — in practice, fellows at HRHF Clinic routinely exceed them given the centre's procedural volume.
| Procedure Category | Minimum Cases |
|---|---|
| Conventional Electrophysiologic Studies (EPS) & Radiofrequency Ablation | 250 |
| 3D Electroanatomic Mapping & Complex Arrhythmia Ablation (Carto) | 100 |
| Device Implantation — Pacemakers, ICDs, CRT-P/D, Left Bundle Pacing | 100 |
| Total Minimum Procedures | 350+ |
What You Will Train In — Minimum Procedural Numbers
Over the course of twelve months, each fellow assists and progressively performs the following procedures under direct supervision. These are minimum numbers — in practice, fellows at HRHF Clinic routinely exceed them given the centre's procedural volume.
| Procedure Category | Minimum Cases |
|---|---|
| Conventional Electrophysiologic Studies (EPS) & Radiofrequency Ablation | 250 |
| 3D Electroanatomic Mapping & Complex Arrhythmia Ablation (Carto system) | 100 |
| Device Implantation — Pacemakers, ICDs, CRT-P/D, Left Bundle Pacing | 100 |
| Total Minimum Procedures | 350+ |
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Minimum 350+ unique procedures (actual volumes significantly higher due to centre’s high throughput).
How to Refer — Four Simple Steps
We have designed our referral pathway to be as frictionless as possible. Most referrals are confirmed and scheduled within 48 hours.
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Contact Us Directly
Call +91 96571 38400 or use the referral form below. For complex cases, WhatsApp or call Dr. Dhopeshwarkar directly for a pre-referral case discussion. We do not require a formal letter before initial contact.
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Share Clinical Summary
Send a brief clinical summary — diagnosis, relevant investigations (ECG, Holter, echo, prior procedure reports), and your clinical question. Email or WhatsApp accepted. We acknowledge all referrals within the same working day.
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Patient Appointment Confirmed
We contact the patient directly to schedule the consultation or procedure. We keep you informed of the appointment date. For urgent cases, same-week scheduling is routinely available.
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Full Feedback Report Returned to You
After every consultation and procedure, we send a complete report to the referring physician — including diagnosis, procedure performed, device details where applicable, discharge summary, and follow-up plan. Your patient returns to your ongoing care.
How the Year Is Structured
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Outpatient & Ward
Fellows are integrated into the full clinical workflow: outpatient arrhythmia service, device clinic, pre‑procedure evaluation, patient counselling, post‑procedure assessment, and support to cardiology residents managing arrhythmias in emergencies and inpatients.
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Cath Lab & Procedural
Progressive supervised training: conventional EPS and ablation, 3D mapping (Carto), pacemaker/ICD/CRT implantation. EP and device procedures at satellite centres across western India give exposure to a diverse patient population.
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Academic Duties
Weekly presentation of a clinical EP topic — systematic coverage of the full curriculum over twelve months. Research study completion and abstract submission to a national/international meeting. All conference expenses borne by the programme.
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Logbook & Certification
Formal procedural logbook documenting every case. Certification awarded after competency assessment — not automatically. The certificate is a statement of demonstrated competence, not merely programme completion.
The Fellowship Year — January to December
| Period | Focus & Milestones |
|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Foundation & Orientation Clinical integration — outpatient clinic, device clinic, ward support. Procedural observation and first assistantships. Weekly academic presentations begin. Logbook initiated. |
| Apr – Jun | Building Procedural Volume Progressive transition to supervised independent procedure performance in conventional EPS and ablation. 3D mapping cases introduced under close supervision. Research project identified and begun. |
| Jul – Sep | Complex Case Exposure 3D mapping and complex ablation — AF, VT, re-do procedures. Device implantation volume builds. Satellite centre visits. Research study data collection. |
| Oct – Nov | Consolidation & Independence Fellow performing procedures with increasing independence. Research study completed and abstract submitted. Competency assessment preparation. |
| December | Competency Assessment & Certification Formal procedural and clinical competency review by programme director. Logbook audit. Fellowship Certificate awarded if competency standards met. Conference presentation if accepted. |
Programme Terms & Support
| Term | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | One year — 1st January to 31st December |
| Intake | One fellow per year. Candidates who do not meet the required standard are not admitted — maintaining programme quality. |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹75,000 per month |
| Accommodation | Residence provided in a reasonable locality — or ₹15,000 per month rent allowance where applicable |
| Performance Incentives | Additional work‑based incentives may be available |
| Conference Support | Expenses for national or international conference presentation of research project borne by the programme |
| Logbook | Mandatory procedural logbook maintained throughout the year |
| Certification | Fellowship certificate awarded upon successful competency assessment — not automatic on programme completion |
Who Should Apply
Eligibility Criteria
The HRHF Fellowship is open to cardiologists who hold a DM or DNB in Cardiology from an MCI/NMC‑recognised institution. Applicants must be proficient in the fundamentals of cardiology and catheterisation procedures. We are looking for candidates who are serious about building a career in electrophysiology — not those seeking a credential to supplement a general cardiology practice. The programme is intensive, the case exposure is high, and the expectations are those of a future subspecialist.
Selection Process
Selection is based on a written MCQ examination and a personal interview with Dr. Dhopeshwarkar. Candidates are assessed on clinical knowledge, procedural aptitude, and — critically — patient care ethic and professional conduct. If no applicant meets the required standard in a given cycle, no fellow is appointed. This is not a formality: it has been applied.
Your Supervisor — Dr. Rajesh Dhopeshwarkar
Dr. Rajesh Dhopeshwarkar is the Programme Director and primary supervising physician for all HRHF fellows. He completed his DM in Cardiology at AIIMS New Delhi and subsequently trained in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Heart Failure Device Implants, and Coronary Interventions at the University of Toronto, Canada. He holds the FHRS (Fellow of the Heart Rhythm Society) and CEPS credentials — the latter recognising certified competence in cardiac electrophysiology pacing — and has practised as a dedicated electrophysiologist in Pune for over two decades. Fellows train directly alongside Dr. Dhopeshwarkar. There are no intermediary supervisors, no delegation to junior staff, and no ambiguity about who is responsible for your training.
MD DM Cardiology (AIIMS, New Delhi) FHRS CEPS Fellowship — University of Toronto (EP, Heart Failure Devices, Coronary Interventions)
Apply for the 2027 Fellowship
Applications for the 2027 intake (commencing 1st January 2027) are now open. Complete the form below — shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the written examination and interview.
Questions About the Programme?
For informal enquiries about the fellowship — programme structure, case volumes, or the selection process — contact Dr. Dhopeshwarkar directly.
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cardiologypune@gmail.com
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+91 96571 38400