Current State of Research Training in Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Programs

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Pediatrics currently require a minimum of 12 months dedicated to research during pediatric cardiology fellowship training. Current data regarding the implementation of this requirement in pediatric cardiology fellowship programs are not available. We aimed to characterize current perceptions and practices of program directors regarding research supports, practices, and training in pediatric cardiology fellowship training programs. A web-based survey facilitated by the Society of Pediatric Cardiology Training Program Directors was sent to the 64 fellowship program directors in the USA. Data from responses were aggregated and reported. A total of 46 program directors responded to the survey for a response rate of 72%. Most programs (n = 39, 84.8%) included 12 months of research in their current curricula. Most programs included overnight call (n = 39, 84.8%), mandatory academic requirements (n = 42, 91.2%), and additional mandatory clinical responsibilities (n = 37, 80.4%) during research time. Many fellows pursued additional non-mandatory and elective clinical time during their research months. Most program directors (n = 29, 63.0%) thought the requirement for 12 months of research during the 36-month fellowship training period should be shortened. Most pediatric cardiology program directors believe the current 12-month research requirement should be shortened, with a goal of providing greater flexibility in training and a more individualized curriculum. Fellows wishing to perform additional research could utilize the additional elective rotations created by this change.