National Core and Advanced Cardiac Imaging Curricula: A Framework From the Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology Education Committee

Abstract

Rationale: Well-defined curriculum with goals and objectives is an inherent part of every radiology residency program.

Materials and methods: Following a needs assessment, the Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology education committee developed a cardiac imaging curriculum using a mixed method collaborative approach.

Results: The Cardiovascular Imaging Curricula consist each of two separate yet complimentary granular parts: a Core Curriculum, aimed at residents in-training, with the main goal of building a strong foundational knowledge and an Advanced Curriculum, designed to build upon the core knowledge and guide a more in-depth fellowship subspecialty training.

Conclusion: The curricular frameworks aim to enhance the educational experience of trainees (residents and fellows) and provide an educational framework for clinical supervisors and residency and fellowship program directors.

Summary statement: The Canadian Society of Thoracic Radiology (CSTR) championed the creation of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Imaging curricula encompassing clinical knowledge and technical, communication, and decision-making skills with the goal of providing direction to a strong foundational knowledge for residents and to guide specialty training for fellowship programs.

Keywords: Cardiovascular computed tomography; Cardiovascular imaging; Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging; Competency; Curriculum; Fellowship training; Goals; Objectives; Radiology; Residency training; Training.