Background: Specialty training at different institutions varies widely based on mentor experience and training. Hypothesis/
Objectives: A formal mechanism to encourage multi-institutional information exchange will enhance resident training programs. Cardiology diplomates involved with or planning to implement a specialty training program will benefit from visiting other institutions with active training programs with the goal of enhancing specialty training in cardiology. Animals: N/A
Methods: Cardiology Diplomates applied for and participated in goal-directed short-term exchange programs at other institutions, funded by ACVIM Cardiology Pacemaker Funds. Pre- and post-visit surveys completed by the applicant, host diplomate(s), and house officers were analyzed to assess goals, outcomes, and perceived success.
Results: Six diplomates visiting five different host institutions have completed the program to date, with two diplomates approved in 2025 for a visit in 2026. Common goals included improving residency training program rounds and feedback, cross-cultural collaboration, and improving student engagement. Feedback was uniformly positive from both applicant and host diplomates as well as house officers, with participants reporting consistent fulfillment of visit goals, value of the visit for future house officer training, and adequate program duration and logistics. The most helpful activities included participation in didactic rounds and observing clinic flow and interventional procedures. All participants listed discrete ways they could implement information gained from the program at their home institution. Conclusions and clinical importance: Encouraging multi-institutional information exchange yielded positive results for both the visiting diplomates and host institutions, representing a meaningful return on investment for this use of ACVIM Cardiology funds.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participant will be able to understand the benefits of multi-institutional information exchange in enhancing specialty training in cardiology.
Upon completion, participant will be able to describe the most helpful activities in enhancing specialty training in cardiology when participating in the ACVIM Cardiology Professional Training Exchange Program.
