A comprehensive curriculum in the basic aspects of pediatric cardiology is provided, including topics in general cardiology, echo, cath, ECG, electrophysiology, post-operative care, embryology, anatomy, cardiopulmonary physiology and metabolism, and preventative cardiology. Conferences are presented by both faculty and fellows. A core curriculum of conference talks in PowerPoint presentations and handouts are kept on the Pediatric Cardiology Division's central computer network for quick and easy reference for presentations.
A cardiac pathology conference is held monthly. In this conference, clinical and laboratory findings are correlated with examination of heart specimens. The trainees are encouraged to attend all study of explanted hearts of transplant recipients as well as autopsies of children who succumb to cardiovascular disease. A weekly journal club enables the fellows to keep abreast of the latest clinical and scientific information important in pediatric cardiology. Both faculty and fellows present articles, the fellows learn to critically review the literature not only for content but for quality of the scientific method.
Each trainee is called upon to give lectures, conduct conferences and report at seminars on material relating to the cardiovascular system. They assist the faculty of the Division in the educational program in both clinical and formal lecture settings. Individuals will develop the necessary skills to communicate knowledge of the field of pediatric cardiology to undergraduate and medical students, residents, paramedical personnel and lay persons.
A seminar series for the trainees is conducted which concentrates on developmental cardiovascular physiology, pharmacology, and the cellular and sub-cellular aspects of myocardial function. Additional seminars are available through the School of Medicine's various departments (i.e., physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology). Formal course work is also available in a variety of fields including cellular and organ physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, statistics, biomathematics, and bioengineering. A basic science track will enable the trainee to proceed in a career path which will allow the applicant to a) apply the scientific method to pose pertinent research questions, b) write grants to seek funding for research, c) design and implement methodology to answer hypotheses and d) present and report the findings to the scientific community. An academic course is available through the Department of Pediatrics which provides trainees with an introduction to preparation of abstracts, presentations (oral and poster), manuscripts and grants.
