This post was authored by Akhil Narang, MD, fellow in training at the University of Chicago.

As a relatively new fellow in training (FIT) in cardiology, I’ve discovered that we have a calling to learn the art and science of cardiology, a unique perspective on today’s challenges in cardiology, and a responsibility to participate in the future of cardiology via the ACC.

The first few months of my fellowship have been a whirlwind tour of cardiology. I’ve spent time on the general consult service, studied the fundamentals of echocardiography and other imaging modalities in the imaging lab, supervised patients in the stress lab, and gained experience in a variety of procedures in the cath lab. The corresponding lectures for each rotation all seem to start in the same fashion – with a history lesson. Cardiology has arguably the most storied history in all of medicine and paying homage to the pioneers in our field by recognizing their contributions to cardiology should be a requisite for all fellows in training.

From Andre Cournand, MD, FACC, Dickinson Richards, MD, and Werner Forssmann’s, MD, pioneering experiments in the field of cardiac catheterization to Inge Edler, MD, FACC, and Hellmuth Hertz’ early use of ultrasound cardiac imaging, the history of cardiology is rich and storied. While most of us prioritize learning the latest guidelines on acute coronary syndromes or valvular heart disease, paying attention to the past unquestionably helps us understand the present (and ultimately the future) with a deeper appreciation.

I believe that all trainees have obligation to understand our field in the context of its history. A simple online search comes up with a surprising dearth of texts devoted the history of cardiology. There appears to be more value in looking at cardiology journals (both general and subspecialty) that occasionally feature articles on history. Moreover, the first sections of major cardiology texts often summarize briefly the history within a particular topic.

Admittedly I am in the very infancy of my career in cardiology and have much to learn. As a new fellow balancing clinical responsibilities, research efforts and a social life, I’ve discovered that the most effective way to learn the history of cardiology is from the faculty we work with on a daily basis. As fellows in training, we are fortunate to have dozens of senior staff willing to impart their knowledge of cardiology history. Ask your trainer how heart failure or coronary disease were treated when they trained. Inquire whom they consider to be the mothers and fathers of cardiology.

In the coming months, I encourage an ongoing conversation on not just the history of cardiology but on all topics pertinent to fellows in training. We are the future of cardiology and of the ACC and the time to start contributing is now.

To stay connected as an FIT, check out the FITs on the GO video blog featuring interviews from leaders in cardiovascular disease, follow the ACC’s Facebook page, and use the hashtag #ACCFIT on Twitter. Also check out the FIT Center on CardioSource.org. To get involved email fellowsintraining[at]acc.org.

< Back to Listings