Competency based curriculum for cardiovascular magnetic resonance: A position statement of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

This position statement guides cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging program directors and learners on the key competencies required for Level II and III CMR practitioners, whether trainees come from a radiology or cardiology background. This document is built upon existing curricula and was created and vetted by an international panel of cardiologists and radiologists on behalf of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR).

[Training and Specialists Qualification System for Neuroendovascular Therapists in Japan].

The specialist qualification system of the Japanese Society for Neuroendovascular Therapy was initiated in 2000. The qualified title is ranked as the technical specialist based on the fundamental clinical societies. After completing the training curriculum mainly programmed in the authorized institutes, the examinees are inspected with a triple-tiered comprehensive style using written, oral, and practical tests. Although the overall passing rate is not very high(50-60%), we are holding more than 1,700 specialists and 400 upper-level specialists designated as trainers and consultants in 2022. According to the definition of the organization of specialist authorization, enough knowledge and experience are required for the specialist to practice the standard treatments and offer adequate patient information. The education and training of the specialists are important duties for upper-level supervisors. In our qualification system, upper-level supervisors are strictly inspected and are requested to have a bigger potential to contribute to the development of the society and to take the lead on academic activity as well as clinical work. All qualified specialists should master "neuroendovascular therapeutics" and always brush up on themselves. In the recent rapid progress of our field, the effort to get the newest information about trends and consensus is essential to achieve the most effective and safest treatments.

La nueva era de la Revista Colombiana de Cardiología / The new era at Revista Colombiana de Cardiología (Journal of Colombian Cardiology)

La Revista Colombiana de Cardiología es el órgano oficial de difusión del conocimiento científico de la Asociación Sociedad Colombiana de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular. Durante sus más de 35 años de existencia ha sido elogiada por sus logros y persistencia,y también ha sido sometida a presiones internas y externas. Finalmente, hoy, está más presente y viva que nunca, gracias a todo el equipo humano que la ha ayudado a mantenerse en un mundo académicamente más exigente y a los autores de trabajos que han confiado en ella como medio de difusión de sus ideas y resultados. La Revista ha pasado por diferentes fases en su evolución. Inicialmente, la "era preElsevier", un periodo largo de estructuración, maduración, formación del equipo y sus diferentes comités, implementación del proceso editorial y posicionamiento nacional. Luego, la "era Elsevier", de aproximadamente seis años de duración, en la cual dicha empresa ayudó a fortalecer el proceso editorial, y se obtuvo una mayor visibilidad en el ámbito internacional tanto de la Revista como de sus autores, se identificaron fallas internas y se empezó a entenderla en un contexto más integral. Finalmente, la "era Estratégica", en la cual se identificaron aún más las amenazas y, gracias al acompañamiento de la editorial Permanyer, se prosiguió con el proceso de mejoramiento continuo, así como con la creación de políticas internas, la reestructuración de la página web (www.revcolcard.org), la creación de micrositios de información y de actividades académicas para mejorar el perfil de nuestros revisores y miembros de los diferentes comités mediante capacitación con un curso electrónico de educación médica continua, el taller de escritura y lectura crítica con certificación europea y certificado por European Medical Education EACM, convalidable con puntaje americano por la American Medical Association (AMA), además, del fortalecimiento de las actividades digitales (redes sociales, y mejoramiento del ecosistema digital de la Revista), el involucramiento de cardiólogos jóvenes al proceso editorial y la trasmisión del conocimiento, un convenio con el Centro de Recursos para el Aprendizaje y la Investigación (CRAI) de la Universidad del Rosario que reúne todos los servicios universitarios de apoyo al aprendizaje, la docencia y la investigación relacionados con la información y las tecnologías de la información (TIC), así como con las tecnologías para el aprendizaje y elconocimiento. Con este número, iniciamos la más actual de nuestras acciones en este proceso estratégico de mejoramiento, y probablemente una "nueva era": la publicación simultánea en idiomas español e inglés. Esta última lengua se ha convertido en el idioma universal de la academia científica, que le permite, a investigadores de todo el mundo, compartir ideas, descubrimientos y opiniones. En la actualidad, más del 90% de las publicaciones reconocidas en el mundo científico se realizan en el idioma inglés, superando a otros que tuvieron su auge en los pasados cien años, como el ruso, el francés, el alemán e, incluso, el chino. Probablemente, será el idioma reconocido científico en el siglo presente. La publicación de resultados de investigaciones científicas es hoy el reto más grande de cualquier investigador, sin importar sí su producción pertenece a las ciencias puras o humanas. Ser capaz de comunicarse con el mundo académico y sus lectores es un requisito fundamental para sobresalir en un mundo donde la ciencia y la tecnología se han convertido en una pequeña provincia. Finalmente, en medio de tantas amenazas para las publicaciones científicas, la Revista Colombiana de Cardiología, sigue firme a sus principios, leal a sus autores y lectores, y con la responsabilidad de seguir creciendo y trasmitiendo ya no solo los conocimientos de los autores de Colombia, sino del mundo. ¡Bienvenidos a una "nueva era" de la Revista Colombiana de Cardiología!

The development and efficacy of a paediatric cardiology fellowship online preparatory course.

BACKGROUND: The transition from residency to paediatric cardiology fellowship is challenging due to the new knowledge and technical skills required. Online learning can be an effective didactic modality that can be widely accessed by trainees. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a paediatric cardiology Fellowship Online Preparatory Course prior to the start of fellowship. METHODS: The Online Preparatory Course contained 18 online learning modules covering basic concepts in anatomy, auscultation, echocardiography, catheterisation, cardiovascular intensive care, electrophysiology, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and cardiac surgery. Each online learning module included an instructional video with pre-and post-video tests. Participants completed pre- and post-Online Preparatory Course knowledge-based exams and surveys. Pre- and post-Online Preparatory Course survey and knowledge-based examination results were compared via Wilcoxon sign and paired t-tests. RESULTS: 151 incoming paediatric cardiology fellows from programmes across the USA participated in the 3 months prior to starting fellowship training between 2017 and 2019. There was significant improvement between pre- and post-video test scores for all 18 online learning modules. There was also significant improvement between pre- and post-Online Preparatory Course exam scores (PRE 43.6 ± 11% versus POST 60.3 ± 10%, p < 0.001). Comparing pre- and post-Online Preparatory Course surveys, there was a statistically significant improvement in the participants' comfort level in 35 of 36 (97%) assessment areas. Nearly all participants (98%) agreed or strongly agreed that the Online Preparatory Course was a valuable learning experience and helped alleviate some anxieties (77% agreed or strongly agreed) related to starting fellowship. CONCLUSION: An Online Preparatory Course prior to starting fellowship can provide a foundation of knowledge, decrease anxiety, and serve as an effective educational springboard for paediatric cardiology fellows.

Training and Career Development in Cardio-Oncology Translational and Implementation Science.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in cancer survivors, after recurrence of the primary tumor or occurrence of a secondary malignancy. Consequently, the interdisciplinary field of cardio-oncology has grown rapidly in recent years to address the cardiovascular care needs of this unique population through clinical care and research initiatives. Here, the authors discuss the ideal infrastructure for training and career development in cardio-oncology translational and implementation science and emphasize the importance of the multidisciplinary cardiovascular team for both research and patient care. Cardio-oncology training opportunities in general cardiology, hematology/oncology, and specialized cardio-oncology clinical and research fellowships are also considered.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the physician education program on primary palliative care in heart failure.

Major cardiology societies' guidelines support integrating palliative care into heart failure (HF) care. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of the HEart failure Palliative care Training program for comprehensive care providers (HEPT), a physician education program on primary palliative care in HF. We performed a pre- and post-test survey to evaluate HEPT outcomes. Physician-reported practices, difficulties and knowledge were evaluated using the Palliative Care Self-Reported Practices Scale in HF (PCPS-HF), Palliative Care Difficulties Scale in HF (PCDS-HF), and Palliative care knowledge Test in HF (PT-HF), respectively. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to estimate path coefficients for PCPS-HF, PCDS-HF, and PT-HF. A total of 207 physicians participated in the HEPT between February 2018 and July 2019, and 148 questionnaires were ultimately analyzed. The total PCPS-HF, PCDS-HF, and PT-HF scores were significantly improved 6 months after HEPT completion (61.1 vs 67.7, p<0.001, 54.9 vs 45.1, p<0.001, and 20.8 vs 25.7, p<0.001, respectively). SEM analysis showed that for pre-post difference (Dif) PCPS-HF, "clinical experience of more than 14 years" and pre-test score had significant negative effects (-2.31, p = 0.048, 0.52, p<0.001, respectively). For Dif PCDS-HF, ≥ "28 years old or older" had a significant positive direct effect (13.63, p<0.001), although the pre-test score had a negative direct effect (-0.56, p<0.001). For PT-HF, "involvement in more than 50 HF patients' treatment in the past year" showed a positive direct effect (0.72, p = 0.046), although the pre-test score showed a negative effect (-0.78, p<0.001). Physicians who completed the HEPT showed significant improvements in practice, difficulty, and knowledge scales in HF palliative care.

Assessment of physician training and prediction of workforce needs in paediatric cardiac intensive care in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the training and the future workforce needs of paediatric cardiac critical care faculty. DESIGN: REDCap surveys were sent May-August 2019 to medical directors and faculty at the 120 US centres participating in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database. Faculty and directors were asked about personal training pathway and planned employment changes. Directors were additionally asked for current faculty numbers, expected job openings, presence of training programmes, and numbers of trainees. Predictive modelling of the workforce was performed using respondents' data. Patient volume was projected from US Census data and compared to projected provider availability. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixty-six per cent (79/120) of directors and 62% (294/477) of contacted faculty responded. Most respondents had training that incorporated critical care medicine with the majority completing training beyond categorical fellowship. Younger respondents and those in dedicated cardiac ICUs were more significantly likely to have advanced training or dual fellowships in cardiology and critical care medicine. An estimated 49-63 faculty enter the workforce annually from various training pathways. Based on modelling, these faculty will likely fill current and projected open positions over the next 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric cardiac critical care training has evolved, such that the majority of faculty now have dual fellowship or advanced training. The projected number of incoming faculty will likely fill open positions within the next 5 years. Institutions with existing or anticipated training programmes should be cognisant of these data and prepare graduates for an increasingly competitive market.

Mentoring in cardiology: A New Teaching Tool in a Rapidly Transforming World

Abstract This is an article aimed at showing the mentoring role in a fast-changing society, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The intense flow of information feelings and new knowledge makes it necessary for medical education to be updated to keep up with social and professional dynamics, according to health requirements and new knowledge demands. The mentoring program is a development process in which the mentor promotes the mentee professional and personal growth, by the exchange of visions and experiences. It allows an increase in the repertoire of solutions, particularly important in such an unstable context imposed by the pandemic. The mentor and mentee are challenged to move from a traditional to a virtual environment, characterized by physical distancing, development of digital medicine and distance learning.

Perceptions of Training Pathways from Recent Cardiothoracic Surgery Graduates.

BACKGROUND: There are three cardiothoracic surgery (CTS) training pathways-general surgery residency followed by a CTS residency of 2-3 years (traditional), 4 years of general surgery and 3 years of CTS residency (4+3), and an integrated 6-year pathway (I-6). The goal of this study was to survey early career cardiothoracic surgeons regarding their training experiences. METHODS: An email-based survey was sent to cardiothoracic surgeons, who graduated between 2012-2017. Data on training pathway specific variables and overall satisfaction were collected. The primary endpoints were career preparation and satisfaction, scored on a scale from 1-100, 100 being the most positive. RESULTS: Four hundred seventy-seven emails were sent, with a response rate of 95/477 (20%). Seventy-six of the respondents (80%) were male; the mean age was 39. Seventy-seven (81.0%) completed a traditional training pathway, 7 (7.4%) completed a 4+3 pathway, and 11 (11.6%) completed an I-6 pathway. Participants felt prepared for practice with a mean response of 79.8 (range 31-100); mean career satisfaction was 87.6.  When asked which pathway respondents would choose in the current era, 52 (54.7%) would choose a traditional pathway, 17 (17.9%) a 4+3 pathway, and 19 (20.0%) an I-6 program; 7 (7.4%) did not respond. Twenty of 72 (27.8%) traditional pathway trained and 18/18(100%) integrated pathway trained surgeons would choose an integrated pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first survey addressing perceptions of training from early-career cardiothoracic surgeons across all training pathways. Data from this study provides insights to better understand how to improve CTS training for the next generation of surgeons.

Gender Differences in the Pursuit of Cardiac Electrophysiology Training in North America.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increase in the number of female physicians across most specialties within cardiology, <10% of clinical cardiac electrophysiology (EP) fellows are women. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the factors that influence fellows-in-training (FITs) to pursue EP as a career choice and whether this differs by gender. METHODS: The authors conducted an online multiple-choice survey through the American College of Cardiology to assess the decision factors that influence FITs in the United States and Canada to pursue cardiovascular subspecialties. RESULTS: A total of 933 (30.5%) FITs completed the survey; 129 anticipated specializing in EP, 259 in interventional cardiology (IC), and 545 in a different field or were unsure. A total of 1 in 7 (14%) FITs indicated an interest in EP. Of this group, more men chose EP than women (84% vs 16%; P < 0.001). The most important factor that influenced FITs to pursue EP was a strong interest in the field. Women were more likely to be influenced by having a female role model (P = 0.001) compared with men. After excluding FITs interested in IC, women who deselected EP were more likely than men to be influenced by greater interest in another field (P = 0.004), radiation concerns (P = 0.001), lack of female role models (P = 0.001), a perceived "old boys' club" culture (P = 0.001) and discrimination/harassment concerns (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women are more likely than men to be negatively influenced by many factors when it comes to pursuing EP as a career choice. Addressing those factors will help decrease the gender disparity in the field.

¿Es el electrocardiograma correctamente interpretado por médicos residentes de Pediatría? Experiencia previa y posterior a una intervención educacional en un hospital universitario / Are electrocardiograms correctly interpreted by pediatric residents? Experience before and after an educational intervention in a teaching hospital

La incidencia del paro cardíaco pediátrico es desconocida; sus principales etiologías son cardiopatías congénitas, miocardiopatías y arritmias ventriculares. El electrocardiograma es un método diagnóstico que podría detectarlas precozmente y disminuir la morbimortalidad. El objetivo del estudio fue describir las habilidades de residentes de Pediatría para reconocer si un electrocardiograma era normal o anormal y realizar un diagnóstico electrocardiográfico preciso, antes y después de una intervención educativa. Participaron médicos residentes de primer año de Pediatría. Se tomó una evaluación con 12 trazados de electrocardiogramas, antes y después de un módulo educativo, y se compararon los puntajes mediante la prueba de "t" para datos pareados. No se halló diferencia entre ambas evaluaciones para la interpretación de electrocardiogramas como normales o anormales (p: 0,42). Sin embargo, hubo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en cuanto a los diagnósticos de certeza (p < 0,002). Los diagnósticos de certeza electrocardiográficos mejoraron luego de implementar un módulo educacional

The incidence of pediatric cardiac arrest is unknown; its main etiologies are congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathies, and ventricular arrhythmias. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic method that may allow to detect them in an early manner and reduce morbidity and mortality.The objective of this study was to describe pediatric residents' skills to determine if an ECG was normal or abnormal and make an accurate electrocardiographic diagnosis before and after an educational intervention. First-year pediatric residents participated in this study. An assessment including 12 ECG tracings was done before and after an educational module, and scores were compared using the t-test for paired data. No differences were observed between both assessments regarding the interpretation of ECG as normal or abnormal (p: 0.42). However, a statistically significant difference was observed in definitive diagnoses (p < 0.002). Definitive electrocardiographic diagnoses improved after the implementation of an educational module.

The Calm Before The Storm: The 4th Year of Medical School prior to a Surgery Residency.

Many medical students figure that their fourth year of medical school should be a time primarily focused on residency interviews and resting up for residency. While the interview part is necessary, the concept that one should be resting during that year is a myth. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Your top priority should be to prepare yourself to hit the ground running as a great surgical intern.

[Manejo de la cesación tabáquica entre residentes de cardiología de Iberoamérica]. / Smoking cessation management among Iberoamerica's cardiology residents

Introduction and objectives: Although cardiologists frequently assist patients who suffer damage from smoking, the degree of training they receive to manage this problem during their residency is unknown. Because of this, we'd proposed to ­evaluate the preferences and practices of cardiology residents for smoking cessation of the attending patients. Materials and methods: Closed, prefixed, voluntary and anonymous survey among doctors who carried out the specialty of cardiology in 5 countries of Latin America and Spain. Results: 716 residents were surveyed; 62.4% from Argentina, 19% from Mexico, 6.8% from Spain, 6.7% from Chile, 3.2% from Uruguay, and 1.9% from Paraguay. When asked about the importance they assigned to this problem (using a scale of 1-10), 85.8% assigned this question a score of 8 or higher. While 80.5% of the participants expressed giving short anti-tobacco advice routinely, only 27.7% used pharmacological therapy for this purpose. Among those who did not use pharmacological therapy, 58.3% said that the reason was not being familiar with the treatments; 62.9% of the surveyed said they had not received any type of training in this problem. Those residents who received some type of training reported feeling more prepared for this (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: We found that cardiology residents have a low knowledge of pharmacological treatment and relatively low confidence to provide assistance in smoking cessation. This topic should be included in the training of future cardiologists in order to achieve a more comprehensive cardiovascular prevention.

Introducción y objetivos: Si bien los cardiólogos asisten cotidianamente a pacientes que sufren daño por el tabaquismo, no se conoce el grado de formación que reciben sobre esta problemática durante su residencia. Debido a ello nos propusimos evaluar las preferencias y prácticas de los residentes de cardiología para la cesación tabáquica de los pacientes que asisten. Materiales y métodos: Encuesta cerrada, prefijada, voluntaria y anónima entre médicos que realizaban la especialidad de cardiología en cinco países de Latinoamérica y España. Resultados: Se encuestaron 716 residentes: un 62.4% de Argentina, un 19% de México, un 6.8% de España, un 6.7% de Chile, un 3.2% de Uruguay y un 1.9% de Paraguay. Con respecto a la importancia que asignaban a esta problemática (empleando una escala de 1-10), el 85.8% le asignó a esta pregunta una puntuación de 8 o mayor. Mientras el 80.5% de los participantes expresó dar consejo breve antitabáquico sistemáticamente, solamente un 27.7% empleaban terapia farmacológica con este fin. Entre quienes no empleaban terapia farmacológica, el 58.3% manifestó que el motivo era no encontrarse familiarizados con los tratamientos. El 62.9% de los encuestados dijo no haber recibido ningún tipo de formación en esta problemática. Aquellos residentes que recibieron algún tipo de formación manifestaron sentirse más preparados (p < 0.0001). Conclusión: Encontramos un bajo conocimiento sobre el tratamiento farmacológico y relativamente poca seguridad por parte de los residentes de cardiología para brindar asistencia en cesación tabáquica. Consideramos esencial incluir este tópico en la formación de los futuros cardiólogos a fin de lograr una prevención cardiovascular más integral.

An assessment of radiation use, knowledge and concerns in trainee cardiologists in Ireland.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge, routine use and concerns of trainee cardiologists in the Republic of Ireland regarding radiation use in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. METHODS: We handed out a Radiation Questionnaire to cardiology trainees in February 2020 at the Irish Cardiac Society "Spring Meeting". The questionnaire assessed radiation protection use amongst trainees and tested knowledge of X-ray basics. RESULTS: Many trainees report inadequate access to properly sized lead protection, and infrequent dosimeter usage. Over one-third of trainees report musculoskeletal issues from wearing leads, the majority of whom use correct size lead <60% of the time.33.3% report radiation concerns will affect their decision making regarding subspeciality training, but notably 83.3% of females and only 19% of males surveyed report this, showing this is a bigger issue for females in cardiology. Less than half of trainees feel adequately educated about radiation. CONCLUSION: Our assessment show deficiencies in the provision and use of personal protective equipment to trainees, highlights extra radiation concerns of female cardiology trainees, and notes gaps in knowledge in radiation use. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Our assessment highlights deficiencies in the education of cardiology trainees regarding ionizing radiation, and suggests this area needs to be improved upon.