American College of Cardiology

During the past year, adult cardiology training program directors have become concerned about reports of unfair matching practices at some institutions. In response, the Cardiology Training and Workforce Committee of the ACC surveyed directors for their input on possible solutions.

To ensure fair recruitment, the committee devised several recommendations, which Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, chair of the committee, described at yesterday's 27th annual symposium for adult cardiology training program directors.

The committee is urging directors to "make no promises, nor give applicants high expectations and report any irregularities to the Cardiology Training and Workforce Committee." However, he suggested one exception, when extenuating circumstances might exempt a program from participation in the match.

While the committee explored nonparticipation in the National Residency Match, a survey of directors of adult cardiology training programs showed that 78 percent wanted to continue to participate in the program. Dr. Fuster reported that the committee had considered publicizing the names of people violating the rules of match, but it determined that such a move would be too extreme.

Dr. Fuster believes the new suggestions for conducting interviews are a worthwhile solution for the time being. "With these guidelines, we are moving in the right direction, and we've preserved the matching program. We all want what's best for the fellows," said Dr. Fuster.

Although early reports of unethical practices revealed that two potential fellows were "working the system" to gain employment, one residency director in the audience took issue with the inability to give applicants high expectations.

"We need to avoid saying 'you have a job here,'" said Dr. Fuster. "It's very important that we don't hurt the fellows. Put yourself in the shoes of the fellows. They need to go to 10 or 12 places, so they don't miss any opportunities."