Training in cardiovascular computed tomography: The Fellows-In-Training perspective.
BACKGROUND
Cardiovascular computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an emerging diagnostic technique in the evaluation of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The recent CoCATS guidelines recommend that all cardiovascular fellows be exposed to CCTA in their training programs; however, not all programs have the ability to provide such training.


OBJECTIVE
This study aims to describe the present opinions of Fellows-in-Training (FIT) toward CCTA training.


METHODS
Cardiovascular FITs in the state of Michigan were contacted through the American College of Cardiology, Michigan chapter, e-mail list and were asked to complete a 12-question anonymous survey examining attitudes toward CCTA.


RESULTS
Sixty (54%) of 112 FITs completed the survey. Ninety-one percent of respondents had a CCTA program at their hospital and 52 (87%) considered CCTA important toward increasing their professional competitiveness. In addition, 93% had interest in obtaining at least level 2 training irrespective of their future career plans. The most important factors influencing their choice of third-party courses were cost, number of live cases, and student-to-faculty ratio. Finally, 47% supported creating an additional fourth year of training in advanced imaging, and 40% would pursue such training.


CONCLUSIONS
Most cardiovascular FITs are interested in seeking advanced training in CCTA. Cardiovascular training programs should incorporate CCTA in their core curriculum to meet the increasing interest in CCTA among trainees.
Dhar
Ritesh
R
Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
Bhojraj
Sanjay
S
Al-Mallah
Mouaz H
MH
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002309:Cardiology / Q000193:education*; D002321:Career Choice; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed