Getting "level 2" training

[dragonfly99]

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I have a question for attendings + fellows on here.
Would you say it is usual for trainees at most cards fellowships to be able to get "Level 2" training in most areas without doing an extra/4th year? I am asking because it seems like it will be impossible to do at my program for at least some of the areas, and yet it seems necessary to be "Level 2" in order to be able to find a job.

 

[drdavemd]

Level 2 for "most" things is feasible at most programs. Everyone I know from a variety of programs comes out at least with L2 cath, nuclear, and echo, which is plenty to be a well-rounded cardiologist in most of the country. Adding CT and/or MR certainly makes it harder. Trying to add pacers is also tough, but some people manage to do it.

Obviously, interventional and advanced EP require extra and it would appear that HF may become almost mandatory as the process of a HF board moves forward. Also, some jobs do not care if you have met the COCATS requirements (# of cases AND # of months focused on a subject) and may only require that you have experience with a certain number of cases (ie: you put in 75 pacers but didn't do an extra year of EP).

The sooner you know what you want to do as a "grownup" the better you can tailor what little free time you have available to shift things in your fellowship.