Evaluating the Status of Cardiac Imaging Training in Radiology Residency Programs in the United States

Cardiac imaging is an integral part of modern diagnostic imaging and a subject heavily tested on the Radiology Core exam. Therefore, radiology residency programs should provide adequate training in this area. This study aims to investigate the current state of cardiac imaging training within radiology residency programs in the United States.

Survey questionnaires using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform were sent to heads of cardiac/cardiothoracic sections in all US radiology residency programs for which valid email addresses were available.

Of 163 questionnaires sent, there were 70 responses, with 82.9% completing the entire survey. In total, 85.9% reported having a cardiac imaging rotation, with 58.8% being 4 weeks, mostly in a single block. Sixteen programs (31.4%) offered a longer cardiac experience (6 to 12 wk). In total, 90.7% reported having a designated person responsible for cardiac imaging, a radiologist in 68.5% and a combined radiologist and cardiologist in 22.2%. The responsible person for reporting cardiac CT was a radiologist in 40.7%, with a combined radiologist and cardiologist in 59.3%. For cardiac MRI studies, there was combined responsibility in 69.0%, either on alternate days of coverage or with the radiologist interpreting noncardiac findings. A total of 65.5% reported having ≥6 cardiac case conferences yearly, and 75.9% had ≥6 cardiac lectures. In total, 65.6% of programs offered cardiothoracic fellowships, with 87.2% dedicating ≥3 months to cardiac imaging. Only 18.6% had dedicated cardiovascular fellowships.

Our research offers crucial insights into the current trends in cardiac imaging education and practice within radiology residency programs, so that professional societies can develop guidelines to structure a more uniform and thorough approach toward cardiac imaging education.