Survey reveals significant heterogeneity among advanced CV imaging training programs
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A survey of advanced CV imaging programs found that they are as diverse in their size and trainees as the programs are in actual training and effect on subsequent clinical practice.
According to a presentation at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session, researchers assessed survey data from the directors of 50 advanced CV imaging programs (49 U.S.; one Canadian), representing 151 trainees (40% women), with the aim of characterizing these programs.
“Many trainees now pursue dedicated training in an advanced CV imaging training program, which provides expertise in multiple modalities that build on imaging skills obtained [in] a general CV fellowship,” Gaby Weissman, MD, of the department of cardiology of Medstar Heart and Vascular Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and colleagues wrote in a simultaneous publication in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. “As advanced CV imaging is not accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, there is no uniformity of training requirements and variable funding sources.”
The surveys showed that funding sources for these programs included direct institutional/departmental funding (74%), research grant (22%), trainee self-support with clinical work (14%), industry funding (14%) and philanthropy (4%).
Various modalities offered
Nearly all programs (94%) offered training in more than one modality (CV MRI, 94%; CT, 84%; echocardiography, 74%; nuclear cardiology, 48%).
In addition, most programs mandated training in CV MRI, CV CT or echocardiography, whereas only 20% mandated nuclear cardiology training.
Among programs that offered nuclear training, 71% offered PET training.
Almost half of the program directors surveyed said they felt that advanced CV imaging training should be focused on one or two modalities, whereas 22% said they believed that it should include significant training in three to four modalities.
Graduates and imaging focused jobs
According to the results of the survey, 62% of programs had graduates take imaging-focused jobs in academic centers in the past 2 years, whereas 36% of programs had graduates take imaging-focused jobs in community-based practices.
Moreover, for jobs in which imaging was a secondary focus, 44% of programs had graduates accept positions at academic centers and 30% of programs had graduates take jobs in community-based practices.
Qualities of program directors
Of the advanced CV imaging program directors, 96% were cardiologists, but most participated in multiple imaging modalities (echocardiography, 66%; CV CT, 60%; CV MRI, 60%; nuclear, 38%).
Additionally, 46% of program directors reported no protected time for their role, whereas 40% had less than 10% protected time, according to the presentation.
Nearly half of program directors (48%) said they believed that imaging certification exams were important, whereas 16% did not and 34% were neutral.
Takeaways from the survey
“In summary, advanced CV imaging programs and their trainees are a large but heterogeneous cohort of CV subspecialists with unique challenges in both training and subsequent clinical practice,” the researchers wrote in the simultaneous publication. “It is time for the advanced CV imaging community to work together and identify collaborative solutions for this unique CV subspecialty.” – by Scott Buzby
References:
Weissman G, et al. Abstract 1278-273. Presented at: American College of Cardiology Scientific Session; March 28-30, 2020 (virtual meeting).
Weissman G, et al. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2020;doi:10.1016/j.jcmg.2020.02.010.
Disclosures: Weissman reports she directs an academic CV imaging core lab with institutional contracts with Abbott, Ancora Heart, Boston Scientific, LivaNova and Medtronic. The other authors report no relevant financial disclosures.