Sinha, Shashank S.; Julien, Howard M.; Krim, Selim R.; Ijioma, Nkechinyere N.; Baron, Suzanne J.; Rock, Andrea J.; Siehr, Stephanie L.; Cullen, Michael W.
Abstract
The latest iteration of the Core Cardiology Training Symposium (COCATS 4) provides a potentially transformative advancement in cardiovascular fellowship training intended, ultimately, to improve patient care. This review addressed 3 primary themes of COCATS 4 from the perspective of fellows-in-training: 1) the evolution of training requirements culminating in a competency-based curriculum; 2) the development of novel learning paradigms; and 3) the establishment of task forces in emerging areas of multimodality imaging and critical care cardiology. This document also examined several important challenges presented by COCATS 4. The proposed changes in COCATS 4 should not only enhance the training experience but also improve trainee satisfaction. Because it embraces continual transformation of training requirements to meet evolving clinical needs and public expectations, COCATS 4 will enrich the cardiovascular fellowship training experience for patients, programs, and fellows-in-training. (C) 2015 by the American College of Cardiology Foundation.