This rotation combines learning in both Cardiac MRI and Cardiac CT. Level I training is accomplished in both modalities during the rotation (see Core Milestones below from COCATS 4 Task Force 8 and Task Force 7, respectively).
Cardiac MRI (CMR) – All cardiovascular disease fellows will receive level I training in Cardiac MRI (see Core Milestones below from COCATS 4 Task Force 8). The training will provide the fellow with a basic understanding of CMR imaging techniques and applications, including specificity, sensitivity, diagnostic accuracy, utility in assessing prognosis, costs, appropriate use criteria, artifacts, indications, contraindications, and pitfalls of this imaging modality. The training consists of lectures, self-study, and daily participation in performance and interpretation of CMR under the direction of the CMR attending. The level I minimum requirement of exposure to 25 cases is accomplished through a combination of daily cases and/or review of teaching files. Fellows wanting to achieve level II training will need 3 months of training with 150 cases interpreted and 50 performed/observed.
Cardiac CT (CCT) – All cardiovascular disease fellows will receive level I training in Cardiac CT (see Core Milestones below from COCATS 4 Task Force 7. Training will include the following knowledge areas: epidemiology, CCT physics, principles of radiation protection, hazards of radiation exposure to both patients and personnel, techniques for reporting and measuring radiation doses, image processing, pathophysiology, and management of coronary artery disease. In addition, didactic sessions should include discussions of the diagnostic accuracy of CCT, including sensitivity and specificity, when compared with the reference standard of invasive angiography or myocardial perfusion imaging, knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of CCT compared with other cardiovascular imaging modalities, as well as address appropriate utilization of CCT and integration of the CCT results with other data to enhance patient management, specifically for planning structural interventions.
Training consists of lectures, self-study, and daily participation in performance and interpretation of CCT. Fellows are encouraged to enroll in an external course such as obtainable through the Cardiac CT course with Dr. Mohit Bhasin.
CME funds for external courses available (limit $1500 over the entirety of fellowship).
Performance and interpretation of a minimum number of CCT studies will typically be required to acquire Level I or Level II competency (see Table 2 in Curricular Milestones below). Fellows desiring level II training need to take additional electives in this imaging modality.
Rotation leader
Dr. Senthil Kumar
Fellow responsibilities
- The fellow will meet with the attending daily.
- Complete reading and self-study assignments
- Participate in weekly case conferences.
Attending responsibilities
- Meet with the fellow daily to supervise and review cases.
- Discuss knowledge gleaned from reading and self-study assignments.
- Mentor fellow for case selection for conferences.
