1st YEAR CARDIOLOGY FELLOWS CATH LAB ROTATION
MUSC, Cardiology Division
GOAL:
To provide an opportunity to enhance clinical and procedural skills and to develop a deeper understanding of
decisions related to invasive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the Cardiology arena.
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE:
1) Develop skills in determining appropriate invasive test for patients with known or suspected cardiac
disease
2) Learn clinical and physiologic basis for each invasive test offered in the cardiac cath lab arena
3) Learn the pharmacological properties and toxic effects of cardiovascular drugs used in the cath lab
4) Learn the indications for thrombolytic therapy versus percutaneous interventions in acute coronary
syndromes.
5) Develop and demonstrate competence in hemodynamic and angiographic interpretations
6) Learn indications and contraindications for invasive procedures
7) Learn the types of complications that can occur in the cath lab and how to recognize and manage such.
8) Learn how to function effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary Cardiology team.
9) Learn ethical aspects of decision required in the care of patients undergoing invasive procedures
10) Develop skills as a consultant to Internal Medicine Residents in regards to ap[propriate utilization of
invasive diagnostic testing.
11) Learn how to use resources of social workers, case managers, assigned nurses, dietitians and laboratory
personnel.
PROCEDURES:
Residents will be supervised by a Cardiology Invasive Attending for all procedures. Procedures for the rotation
include right heart catheterization, left heart catheterization, coronary angiography, ventriculography,
aortography, renal arteriography, pericardiocentesis, insertion of temporary pacemakers, peripheral
arteriography
METHODOLOGY:
Duration:
Start Time:
End Time:
Attendings:
8 weeks
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Cardiology Division Invasive Faculty
PRINCIPAL TEACHING METHODS:
Teaching Rounds:
These are held daily with discussion of physiology, pathophysiology, differential
diagnosis and management of all patients undergoing invasive cardiac cath procedures.
Reading List:
Supplied by faculty as pertinent to patients.
Articles:
List:
Supplied by faculty and other interested parties
Chapters and standard textbooks of medicine.
Conferences:
Daily Cardiology Division conferences are mandatory. Monthly Heart and Vascular
Center Mortality and Morbidity conference is mandatory, Fellows are encouraged to
attend Department of Medicine Grand Rounds
SUPERVISON:
Fellows are directly supervised in their patient care duties by the Cardiology Invasive
Attending Physician.
FELLOW EVALUATION:
Fellows are evaluated by the Cardiology Invasive Attendings each month using the standard Division
evaluation form for each competency. Patient Care is assessed based on direct observation, application of
evidence based medicine and chart review. Medical Knowledge is assessed through direct questioning on
rounds. The resident must demonstrate competent EKG interpretation. Professionalism is assessed based on
observation of the resident’s demeanor and behavior on this rotation. Interpersonal and Communication
Skills are assessed by observing the resident’s interactions with the patients, families, staff and collegues.
System-Based Practice is evaluated based on the resident’s ability perform in the team-setting, including
interactions with the Discharge Planners, nurses, PharmDs and other health care providers. Practice-Based
Learning is evaluated based on the resident’s ability to learn and improve his or her skills based on feedback,
study, literature review and appropriate application of evidence based medicine.