Training in multimodality imaging: challenges and opportunities.

m i o m m i d T f e i ( w s l a i b a t p en years ago, training in multimodality imaging was but a gleam in a cardiologist’s eye. But the formulation of new recommendations by the American College of Cardiology Founation/American Heart Association (AHA)/Amerian College of Physicians Task Force on Clinical ompetence and Training in the statement on mulimodality noninvasive cardiovascular imaging offiially marks the beginning of a new era (1). We ave come to this point through a combination of ignificant refinements in echocardiography and raionucleotide techniques, the advent of cardiovascuar computed tomography and magnetic resonance maging, and a deepening appreciation for the comlementary roles these imaging modalities play in linical care. Possessing unique advantages and limiations, the application of a given modality should e dictated by the needs of a particular patient ather than the expertise of a particular cardiologist. t is no surprise, then, that cardiology fellows are inreasingly interested in learning and manipulating hese technologies themselves—while not wanting o unduly prolong their fellowship in order to accuulate the necessary expertise in a traditional, seuential mode of training. For example, under the existing COCATS reuirements, attaining Level 3 expertise in all 4 imging modalities would require 42 months if trainng in each technique took place consecutively (2). s it possible to maintain a quality of training while reating opportunities to develop expertise in more han 1 modality over the course of a more reasonble 3-year fellowship? The Task Force has anwered “yes.” By integrating different imaging mo-