Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
07:27

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease

Published on: July 18, 2014

24.8K

The Current State of the Board-Certified Adult Congenital Heart Disease Workforce 10 Years After Initial

Georges Ephrem1

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|July 4, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The number of Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) cardiologists is insufficient to meet patient demand, with current training programs unable to address the growing workforce shortage. Action is needed to expand ACHD training and support providers.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Medical Workforce Analysis

Background:

  • Growing concern exists regarding a shortage of Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) cardiologists.
  • The increasing population of ACHD patients necessitates an accurate understanding of the specialized workforce.
  • Board certification data is crucial for assessing the ACHD field's capacity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the demographics and characteristics of the board-certified ACHD cardiologist workforce.
  • To identify trends in ACHD physician certification since 2015.
  • To evaluate the sufficiency of the current ACHD workforce in relation to patient needs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) ACHD board-certified physicians from 2015 onwards.
  • Examination of variables including certification year, eligibility pathway, additional certifications, demographics, medical school type, and location.
  • Comparison of diplomates certified before and after the practice pathway sunsetting.

Main Results:

  • The cohort comprised 509 ABIM diplomates, with 89% certified before the practice pathway ended.
  • The workforce is predominantly older, male, with backgrounds in pediatric cardiology and USMG MD training, concentrated in urban areas.
  • Recent diplomates are younger, with more females and training in adult cardiology, indicating a shift in the workforce profile.

Conclusions:

  • A significant workforce shortage of ACHD cardiologists exists.
  • Current fellowship training is inadequate to address physician attrition or growth needs.
  • Urgent action is required, including workforce surveys, training model advancements, knowledge dissemination, and advocacy for ACHD providers.
Abstract

Keywords:
adultboard-certifiedcongenitaldiseaseheartworkforce

More Related Videos

Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training09:15

Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training

Published on: February 10, 2022

3.7K
A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn11:27

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn

Published on: April 7, 2023

6.5K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult01:21

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person's heart has stopped beating or they are no longer breathing. The foundation of CPR is Basic Life Support (BLS), which focuses on the early recognition of cardiac arrest, the immediate start of high-quality chest compressions, and the timely use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).Assessing Responsiveness and Checking the Carotid PulseWhen approaching an unresponsive person, first ensure...
93
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
38
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
30
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
38
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies01:30

Introduction Cardiac Emergencies

Cardiac emergencies are critical situations involving the heart that require immediate medical intervention to prevent severe complications or death. These emergencies often arise from underlying heart conditions that impair the heart's ability to function correctly.Types of Cardiac EmergenciesThe most common types of cardiac emergencies include Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac arrest, and heart failure.Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)...
49
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
38