Program Overview
With two fellows per year, we provide mentorship-driven training environment that prioritizes hands-on learning, individualized guidance, and career development. Fellows rotate through a variety of practice settings, including:
- A high-volume tertiary care center with advanced cardiovascular service
- Elective subspecialty rotations at leading institutions in Lubbock and Dallas to broaden procedural and academic experience
Fellows also engage in meaningful experiences in research, quality improvement, teaching, and health equity. One of the unique features of our program is the opportunity to serve a large Spanish-speaking population, fostering greater cultural humility and advanced communication skills.
At the Permian Basin Cardiology Fellowship, we are committed to shaping the next generation of cardiologists—leaders who bring compassion, competence, and commitment to every patient, community, and institution they serve.
Curriculum & Rotations
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Our curriculum is designed to ensure proficiency across all core competencies in cardiology, with a focus on:
- Procedural training and diagnostic excellence
- Evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making
- Team-based, multidisciplinary patient care
How to Apply
Admissions Requirements
View our SOM House Staff Policies and Procedures, SOM Administrative Policies, as well as a sample contract.
The Department of Cardiology Fellowship only accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Information about the service may be obtained from your Dean's Office or from the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). International medical graduates may obtain information about ERAS through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
The resident application deadline is September 1.
Please note that to be considered, all applicants must be eligible to apply for a Texas medical license. Review the Eligibility Checklist and Examination Requirements under the dropdown "Before You Apply" on the Texas Medical Board website to ensure you meet all criteria before applying.
Each applicant must be a graduate of a medical school that is approved by the Texas Medical Board or a medical school whose curriculum is accepted as equivalent to that of A Texas medical school by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. A graduate of the latter must:
- Be eligible for employment at TTUHSC.
- Process a criminal background check:
HSC OP 10.20 - Criminal Background Checks for Students, Trainees and Residents
Attachment A - Notice to Students/Trainees and Residents
Attachment C - Consent for Release of Information - Hold Harmless Agreement for Residents/Fellows
Criminal Background Check Website (Complio)
TTUHSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age or veteran status in admission, employment, access to, or treatment in its programs or activities.
Permian Basin Resident and Fellow Salaries 2025-2027
| Salaries for 2025-2027(These amounts are for the Permian Basin Campuses only) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGY-1 | PGY-2 | PGY-3 | PGY-4 | PGY-5 | PGY-6 | |
| Annual | $65,764.23 | $67,251.00 | $69,375.00 | $72,533.00 | $74,686.00 | $76,842.00 |
| Monthly | $5,480.35 | $5,604.25 | $5,781.25 | $6,044.42 | $6,223.83 | $6,403.50 |
| Previous Years' Salaries | ||||||
| Year | PGY 1 | PGY 2 | PGY 3 | PGY 4 | PGY 5 | PGY 6 |
| 2024-2025 | $61,569.96 | $62,961.96 | $64,950.00 | $66,936.96 | $68,924.04 | $70,914.11 |
| 2023-2024 | $57,650.38 | $58,953.74 | $60,815.40 | $62,675.71 | $64,535.89 | $66,398.98 |
| 2022-2023 | $55,971.24 | $57,236.64 | $59,044.08 | $60,850.20 | $62,656.20 | $64,465.03 |
| 2021-2022 | $54,341.05 | $55,569.54 | $57,324.32 | $59,077.83 | $60,831.34 | $62,587.41 |
| 2019-2021 | $54,341.05 | $55,569.54 | $57,324.32 | $59,077.83 | $60,831.34 | $62,587.41 |
| 2017-2018 | $49,729.76 | $51,352.57 | $52,974.19 | $54,594.62 | $56,215.07 | $57,837.88 |
| 2016-2017 | $48,754.67 | $50,345.66 | $51,935.48 | $53,524.14 | $55,112.81 | $56,703.80 |
| 2015-2016 | $48,754.67 | $50,345.66 | $51,935.48 | $53,524.14 | $55,112.81 | $56,703.80 |
| 2014-2015 | $48,754.67 | $50,345.66 | $51,935.48 | $53,524.14 | $55,112.81 | $56,703.80 |
*Effective 10/10/2025
Additional benefits include:
- Malpractice Coverage is $100,000 per incident and $300,00 annual aggregate
- Group Health Insurance for residents/fellows and eligible dependents
- Dental Insurance for residents/fellows and eligible dependents
- Vision Insurance for residents/fellows and eligible dependents
- Basic Life Insurance for residents/fellows and eligible dependents
- Long-term Disability Insurance for residents/fellows
- Worker's Compensation
- Vacation is approved for not more than 15 working days for PGY levels 1 & 2 and not more than 20 working days for PGY 3 and above**
- Sick Leave for up to 12 working days per year (and accumulates from year to year). Leave policies vary by program and may not apply to all programs. Program-specific leave details, including the number of days available, may be listed below.***
- Family and Parental Leaves of Absence
- Educational Leave
- Military Leave not to exceed 15 working days per year
- 8 free sessions for Individual or Family Counseling
- Eligible for voluntary TDA 403(b)
- Free parking at affiliated hospitals
- Free gym membership at Mission Fitness, MCH and MMH
**Each program sets their own vacation guidelines, not to exceed the maximum.
***Each program may set their own sick leave.
Machine Readable Files and Price Transparency Tool:
mrf.healthcarebluebook.com/IMS or imstpa.com/Legal
Military/Veteran
Explore financial resources, benefits and support available to military members and veterans.
Additional Resources
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Cardiology Care Partnerships in West Texas
We collaborate closely with local hospitals to offer specialized cardiology services across West Texas. Our partnerships with Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, enable us to provide top-tier care, utilizing state-of-the-art technology in our operating rooms and facilities. Through these alliances, we can deliver the highest standard of cardiology care, including advanced procedures, testing, and preventative measures.
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Welcome to our fellowship program and thank you for taking the time to learn more about us!
Dr. Leela Kumar Lella, our Program Director, is a dedicated cardiologist, physician leader, and educator with extensive experience in cardiovascular medicine. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), completed his residency in Internal Medicine, and pursued subspecialty training in Cardiovascular Medicine and Interventional Cardiology. He is board certified in Cardiovascular Disease and is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC). In addition, he holds certifications in Nuclear Cardiology (CBNC), Echocardiography (ASE), and Vascular Imaging (RPVI).
Since joining Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Permian Basin, Dr. Lella has served in key leadership roles, including Program Director of the Cardiovascular Fellowship Program. In this role, he has been instrumental in restructuring the didactic curriculum, enhancing fellow education, recruiting faculty, and ensuring compliance with ACGME requirements. His leadership has strengthened collaboration across institutional sites, including UT Southwestern Medical Center, providing fellows with comprehensive training in all aspects of cardiovascular care.
Dr. Lella’s expertise and vision are reflected in his commitment to structured teaching, simulation-based training, and multidisciplinary learning. He is deeply engaged in institutional governance and program development, while also mentoring fellows in quality improvement initiatives. His professional interests include clinical education, faculty development, innovation in medical training, and expanding cardiovascular services in underserved regions.
Through his leadership, the fellowship continues to grow as a center of excellence in advanced training, research, and patient-centered cardiovascular care. Dr. Lella is dedicated to fostering an environment that empowers fellows to reach their highest potential as clinicians, educators, and future leaders in cardiology.
Leela Lella, MD
Program Director
TTUHSC Permian Basin Cardiovascular Fellowship Program
Contact Us
Cardiology Fellowship Permian Basin
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Address
701 West 5th Street
Suite 3106
Odessa, TX 79763
United States
- Phone (432)703-5153
- Email jessica.ramos@ttuhsc.edu
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Hours
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday to Friday