The impact of COVID-19 on cardiology training

• Published in: The British journal of cardiology Vol. 28; no. 1
• Main Authors: Conway, Samuel, Kirresh, Ali, Stevenson, Alex, Ahmad, Mahmood
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Medinews (Cardiology) Limited 27.01.2021
• Subjects: Training: Covid-19
• ISSN: 0969-6113; 1753-4313
• DOI: 10.5837/bjc.2021.001

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has produced a dramatic shift in how we practise medicine, with changes in working patterns, clinical commitments and training. Cardiology trainees in the UK have experienced a significant loss in training opportunities due to the loss of specialist outpatient clinics and reduction in procedural work, with those on subspecialty fellowships perhaps losing out the most. Training days, courses and conferences have also been cancelled or postponed. Many trainees have been redeployed during the crisis, and routes of career progression have been greatly affected, prompting concerns about extensions in training time, along with effects on mental health. With the pandemic ongoing and its effects on training likely long-lasting, we examine areas for improvement and opportunities for change in preparation for the ‘new normal’, including how other specialties have adapted. The increasingly routine use of video conferencing and online education has been a rare positive of the pandemic, and simulation will play a larger role. A more coordinated, national approach will need to be introduced to ensure curriculum components are covered and trainees around the country have equal access to ensure cardiology training in the UK remains world class.