Pediatric cardiology training detailed

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Three major U.S. pediatrics and cardiology institutions say they have developed the first recommendations for pediatric cardiology training.

The American College of Cardiology Foundation, the American Heart Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics say the recommendations for will ensure fellows acquire the skills necessary to provide the best possible care for children with heart disease.

The guidelines reportedly make a point of urging pediatric cardiology fellows to pursue ongoing self-education and also stress the importance of continuing investigative research.

The document lists training recommendations in the areas of general pediatric cardiology, including inpatient care and consultations; echocardiography and non-invasive imaging; electrophysiology; cardiac catheterization and intervention; cardiac intensive care; adult congenital heart disease; and research participation.

"The field has evolved in the past few years to include many new therapies," said Dr. Thomas Grahan Jr., chairman of the joint writing committee. "There has been a huge increase in the number of pediatric patients who have interventional catheterization. Complex arrhythmias can now be treated effectively with ablation and other electrophysiological therapies.

The recommendations are available on the Web sites of the American College of Cardiology, the AHA, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.