The future of fellowship training in clinical cardiac electrophysiology: Program directors' perspective 2008

Background: At the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology (CCEP) program directors' annual meeting during the 2008 scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society, a consensus emerged for an urgent need to strengthen and rejuvenate fellowship training in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. Objective: A writing group of the Heart Rhythm Society Clinical Research and Training Committee was charged with defining these issues. Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire designed by the writing group was used to conduct an on-line survey of the 101 CCEP program directors in the United States. Data collected included types of programs, current status of programs, duration of fellowship, teaching responsibilities of faculty, responsibilities of fellows, and volume of electrophysiology procedures. Survey responses were collated and analyzed by the writing group. Results: Given the rapid evolution and increased complexity of current electrophysiology procedures, program directors were of the opinion that 1 year of clinical electrophysiology training may no longer be adequate. A need to strengthen both research and didactic training components of fellowship training was also acknowledged. The number of electrophysiology procedures performed by trainees varied greatly between programs, and standardization of didactic training and procedural volume would be welcomed. Recent trends were recognized that indicate the need for a detailed national work-force analysis in CCEP. Conclusion: Through this national survey, program directors identified specific areas of need for standardization and strengthening of current fellowship training in CCEP. Based on these, specific measures can be taken to ensure the future of CCEP training.