Training cardiovascular specialists in imaging: A curriculum based on fundamental concepts required for multimodal imaging

Background Training cardiovascular (CV) imaging specialists is becoming increasingly complex owing to rapidly emerging technological advances and the growing recognition that single modality training is inefficient and results in suboptimal education and practice. The purpose of this document was to propose a multimodality CV imaging curriculum to improve training of future CV imaging specialists. Methods Relevant national standards relating to aiming training, competence, and quality were reviewed, including current training recommendations from the American College of Cardiology and requirements from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Experts from all imaging modalities identified areas of commonality that could create efficiencies in training. Finally, the proposed curriculum was placed within the context of a standard 3-year fellowship training program with optional advanced imaging training. Results Multimodality imaging training can be accomplished efficiently and effectively for most trainees by introducing a curriculum of imaging didactic content broadly based on understanding basic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, principles of performing quality CV imaging, and imaging in the broader health care environment. A curriculum and training program are proposed that satisfy level 2 training in 2 to 3 modalities and level 3 training in 1 modality in a traditional 3-year fellowship. Conclusions Training cardiovascular specialists to be competent in multimodality imaging is possible based on the proposed curriculum and training program within a traditional 3-year cardiovascular fellowship. Imaging specialists may require additional training.