O2045: Research Exposure and Training Among Pediatric Cardiology Fellows in the US

Background: Pediatric cardiology fellowship programs in the United States must ensure that each fellow completes a scholarly activity. However, comprehensive data on research training and exposure across these programs is lacking. Our study aims to provide objective insights into various aspects of research training within pediatric cardiology fellowship programs.

Methods: We administered a 16-item survey electronically to pediatric cardiology fellows (n=350) across the United States to evaluate their research support and training experiences during fellowship. The survey encompassed inquiries on demographics, fellowship program attributes, research training, anticipated research output, encouragement for research involvement, and resources and obstacles to research during fellowship. Fellowship programs were classified into three size categories: small (1-5 fellows), medium (6-9 fellows), and large (>10 fellows). Data analysis was conducted using STATA, with statistical significance at p< 0.05.

Results: A total of 101 of 350 pediatric cardiology fellows completed the survey (response rate 29%). The median age was 32 years (IQR 31-33). A slight majority were male (54%) and identified as white (54%). Participants were evenly distributed across their three years of training. Fellowship program size varied, with 45% in medium-sized programs, 39% in large programs, and 17% in small programs. The most endorsed career interests were advanced imaging (48%), general cardiology (34%), and echocardiography (19%). Most fellows (89%) felt encouraged to pursue research, with greater support among large programs (95%) compared to medium (88%) and small programs (77%) (p=0.047). Fellows received required or optional research training through didactic lectures (94%), workshops (73%), online courses (65%), master’s level statistics course (62%), and master’s degree (60%). Most fellows (74%) reported at least 10 months of dedicated research time during fellowship, with more research time provided in larger programs (p=0.04). Interestingly, 16% of fellows reported having ≤ 9 months of protected research time, which falls below the ACGME-mandated minimum of 12 months. Regarding available resources, only 25% of fellows reported statistical analysis program training, and 43% reported a research curriculum. Almost all fellows had a scholarship oversight committee (92%), and most fellows had access to a statistician (71%). Barriers to completing research were prevalent, with lack of protected time for faculty to support fellow research (56%), formal research curriculum (38%), and statistical support (37%) being the most prevalent. In anticipated research output, fellows expected a median of 3 abstracts (IQR 2-4) and 2 peer-reviewed publications (IQR 1-3).

Conclusion: Our study reveals the current landscape of research training among pediatric cardiology fellows in the United States. Despite substantial efforts to facilitate research opportunities, persisting challenges, such as inadequate protected time and resources, underscore the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance fellowship research experiences.