Anne K. Rzeszut

Cardiovascular Health of Patients With Cancer and Cancer Survivors : A Roadmap to the Next Level

Many existing and emerging cancer therapies have a significant effect on the cardiovascular health of patients with cancer and cancer survivors. This paper examines current aspects of interdisciplinary cardio-oncology clinical care delivery and education in the United States and outlines how these data provide a platform for future development of the field. We present the results of the nationwide survey on cardio-oncology services, practices, and opinions, conducted among chiefs of cardiology and program directors, which demonstrate ranges of clinical activities and identify significant interest for increased educational opportunities and expert training of cardiovascular physicians in this field. The survey respondents recognized clinical relevance but emphasized lack of national guidelines, lack of funds, and limited awareness and infrastructure as the main challenges for development and growth of cardio-oncology. We discuss potential solutions to unmet needs through interdisciplinary collaboration and the active roles of professional societies and other stakeholders.

Challenges facing early career academic cardiologists

Early career academic cardiologists currently face unprecedented challenges that threaten a highly valued career path. A team consisting of early career professionals and senior leadership members of American College of Cardiology completed this white paper to inform the cardiovascular medicine profession regarding the plight of early career cardiologists and to suggest possible solutions. This paper includes: 1) definition of categories of early career academic cardiologists; 2) general challenges to all categories and specific challenges to each category; 3) obstacles as identified by a survey of current early career members of the American College of Cardiology; 4) major reasons for the failure of physician-scientists to receive funding from National Institute of Health/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute career development grants; 5) potential solutions; and 6) a call to action with specific recommendations.

Changes in the Professional Lives of Cardiologists Over 2 Decades

The American College of Cardiology third decennial Professional Life Survey was completed by 2,313 cardiologists: 964 women (42%) and 1,349 men (58%). Compared with 10 and 20 years ago, current results reflect a substantially lower response rate (21% vs. 31% and 49%, respectively) and an aging workforce that is less likely to be in private practice. Women continue to be more likely to practice in academic centers, be pediatric cardiologists, and have a noninvasive subspecialty. Men were more likely to indicate that family responsibilities negatively influenced their careers than previously, whereas women remained less likely to marry or have children. Men and women reported similar, high levels of career satisfaction, with women reporting higher satisfaction currently. However, two-thirds of women continue to experience discrimination, nearly 3 times the rate in men. Personal life choices continue to differ substantially for men and women in cardiology, although differences have diminished.

Adult congenital heart disease incidence and consultation: a survey of general adult cardiologists.

To the Editor: Of the approximately 1.3 million adult survivors with congenital heart disease (CHD) living in the United States, only a small percentage appears to be receiving specialized care in accordance with the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2008 Guidelines for the Management of Adult

The Deficit of Nutrition Education of Physicians

Globally, death rates from cardiovascular disease are increasing, rising 41% between 1990 and 2013, and are often attributed, at least in part, to poor diet quality. With urbanization, economic development, and mass marketing, global dietary patterns have become more Westernized to include more sugar-sweetened beverages, highly processed foods, animal-based foods, and fewer fruits and vegetables, which has contributed to increasing cardiovascular disease globally. In this paper, we will examine the trends occurring globally in the realm of nutrition and cardiovascular disease prevention and also present new data that international nutrition knowledge amongst cardiovascular disease providers is limited. In turn, this lack of knowledge has resulted in less patient education and counseling, which is having profound effects on cardiovascular disease prevention efforts worldwide.

Council Clinical Perspective: Cardiovascular Health of Patients with Cancer and Cancer Survivors: A Roadmap to the Next Level

Many existing and emerging cancer therapies have a significant effect on the cardiovascular health of patients with cancer and cancer survivors. This paper examines current aspects of interdisciplinary cardio-oncology clinical care delivery and education in the United States and outlines how these data provide a platform for future development of the field. We present the results of the nationwide survey on cardio-oncology services, practices, and opinions, conducted among chiefs of cardiology and program directors, which demonstrate ranges of clinical activities and identify significant interest for increased educational opportunities and expert training of cardiovascular physicians in this field. The survey respondents recognized clinical relevance but emphasized lack of national guidelines, lack of funds, and limited awareness and infrastructure as the main challenges for development and growth of cardio-oncology. We discuss potential solutions to unmet needs through interdisciplinary collaboration and the active roles of professional societies and other stakeholders.

Cardiovascular Health of Patients With Cancer and Cancer Survivors

Many existing and emerging cancer therapies have a significant effect on the cardiovascular health of patients with cancer and cancer survivors. This paper examines current aspects of interdisciplinary cardio-oncology clinical care delivery and education in the United States and outlines how these data provide a platform for future development of the field. We present the results of the nationwide survey on cardio-oncology services, practices, and opinions, conducted among chiefs of cardiology and program directors, which demonstrate ranges of clinical activities and identify significant interest for increased educational opportunities and expert training of cardiovascular physicians in this field. The survey respondents recognized clinical relevance but emphasized lack of national guidelines, lack of funds, and limited awareness and infrastructure as the main challenges for development and growth of cardio-oncology. We discuss potential solutions to unmet needs through interdisciplinary collaboration and the active roles of professional societies and other stakeholders.

Career Preferences and Perceptions of Cardiology Among US Internal Medicine Trainees: Factors Influencing Cardiology Career Choice

Importance Few data exist on internal medicine trainees’ selection of cardiology training, although this is important for meeting future cardiology workforce needs. Objective To discover trainees’ professional development preferences and perceptions of cardiology, and their relationship to trainees’ career choice. Design, Setting, and Participants We surveyed trainees to discover their professional development preferences and perceptions of cardiology and the influence of those perceptions and preferences on the trainees’ career choices. Participants rated 38 professional development needs and 19 perceptions of cardiology. Data collection took place from February 2009, through January 2010. Data analysis was conducted from May 2017 to December 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures Multivariable models were used to determine the association of demographics and survey responses with prospective career choice. Results A total of 4850 trainees were contacted, and 1123 trainees (of whom 625 [55.7%] were men) in 198 residency programs completed surveys (23.1% response; mean [SD] age, 29.4 [3.5] years). Principal component analysis of survey responses resulted in 8-factor and 6-factor models. Professional development preferences in descending order of significance were stable hours, family friendliness, female friendliness, the availability of positive role models, financial benefits, professional challenges, patient focus, and the opportunity to have a stimulating career. The top perceptions of cardiology in descending order of significance were adverse job conditions, interference with family life, and a lack of diversity. Women and future noncardiologists valued work-life balance more highly and had more negative perceptions of cardiology than men or future cardiologists, who emphasized the professional advantages available in cardiology. Professional development factors and cardiology perceptions were strongly associated with a decision to pursue or avoid a career in cardiology in both men and women. Conclusions and Relevance Alignment of cardiology culture with trainees’ preferences and perceptions may assist efforts to ensure the continued attractiveness of cardiology careers and increase the diversity of the cardiology workforce.

THE PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF CARDIOLOGISTS: INSIGHTS FROM THE THIRD AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY PROFESSIONAL LIFE SURVEY

In 2015, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) conducted a third Professional Life Survey (PLS) examining cardiologists’ career decisions, family life and satisfaction by gender. PLS was sent to 2,997 female and 6,501 male cardiologists and 2000 fellows-in-training. PLS results are compared by