title: Defining, Achieving, and Maintaining Competence in Cardiovascular Training and Practice.
abstract: Patients, hospitals, insurers, and the public rely on competent physicians. The definition and documentation of competency in cardiovascular training and practice continues to evolve. New tools, such as the American College of Cardiology's in-training examination, restructured Core Cardiovascular Training Statement, curricular and lifelong learning competencies, and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Milestones help define competent trainees and practitioners, and level the playing field. The American Board of Internal Medicine's Maintenance of Certification program is undergoing critical review, and a common vision of its future form and role are not yet clear. This paper explores present-day cardiovascular competency components, assessment tools, and strategies, and identifies challenges for the future.
authors.affiliation: Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Electronic address: jeffrey.t.kuvin@hitchcock.org.
authors.forename: Jeffrey T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Kuvin
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine and Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
authors.forename: Eric S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D002309:Cardiology / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D011364:Professional Practice
keywords: assessment; certification; competency; education; milestones