Pediatric Resident Education in Pediatric Cardiology – A Needs Assessment

Background: Although congenital heart disease is the most common human birth defect, the scope and breadth of pediatric cardiology is far more diverse. Additionally, there continues to be rapid advancements in the field with educators becoming increasingly sub-specialized. As such, determining the topics general pediatric residents are taught must be selected based on numerous factors including resident career goals, core topics for board exams, and educator preferences. This study aimed to determine if the educational needs of general pediatric residents are met while on a pediatric cardiology rotation. Methods: All PL-2 and PL-3 residents in the Children’s National Hospital pediatrics residency program who had completed a required cardiology rotation as well as all pediatric cardiology fellows and pediatric cardiology attendings were asked to complete a survey. Participation in the study was voluntary. Respondents were asked to answer questions related to the perceived effectiveness and applicability of the currently administered cardiology curriculum, specifically inquiring about methods of teaching, the level taught, and the utility of topics selected. Results: Twenty-four (31%) of the 77 eligible residents completed the survey. Fourteen (82%) of the eligible attendings and nine (75%) of the cardiology fellows completed the survey. Seventeen unique topics in pediatric cardiology were ranked. The highest rated topics based on both perceived needs and wants included congenital heart disease, murmurs, cardiac physiology, ECG interpretation, and syncope/dizziness. Participants reported the highest satisfaction for whiteboard and bedside teaching. Conclusions: Overall, general pediatrics residents were satisfied with the current educational design of the inpatient cardiology rotation. These data provide a framework, both in teaching modalities and core concepts, for continued development and reassessment of inpatient pediatric cardiology rotations to optimally prepare pediatric residents with a strong foundation in pediatric cardiology.