January 10, 2026Cardio-Oncology0 citationsOpen Access
Global disparities and future directions in cardio-oncology training: an international survey of cardiology trainees from the international cardio-oncology society
Key Result
Only 39% of cardiology trainees received specific training in cardio-oncology, with significant disparity between regions (64% in UK, USA, Canada vs. 37% elsewhere).
Key Points
- To examine the current state of cardio-oncology training among cardiology trainees worldwide.
- Conducted an international electronic survey of cardiology trainees from March to July 2024
- Assessed teaching, clinical exposure, and awareness of guidelines
- Evaluated interest in fellowship and career in cardio-oncology
- 131 cardiology trainees participated in the survey
- 65% of respondents reported having access to cardio-oncology services
- 39% had specific training in cardio-oncology, with notable global disparities
Structured PICO
P
Population
131 cardiology trainees globally (51% early years, 49% advanced years)
O
Outcome
Extent of cardio-oncology teaching, clinical exposure, awareness of cardio-oncology guidelines and professional societies, and interest in future fellowship, research and career in cardio-oncology
There is a significant global disparity in cardio-oncology training among cardiology trainees, highlighting an urgent need for standardized curricula and expanded fellowship programs.
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 0%
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Cardio-oncology has emerged as a vital subspecialty as the population of cancer patients with cardiovascular comorbidities and treatment-related cardiotoxicities grows. Despite its clinical importance, concerns have been raised as to the integration of cardio-oncology into cardiology training. To understand the global landscape of cardio-oncology training, the International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS) carried out a survey of cardio-oncology education. METHODS: An electronic survey of international cardiology trainees was conducted between March and July 2024. The survey assessed the extent of cardio-oncology teaching, clinical exposure, awareness of cardio-oncology guidelines and professional societies, and interest in future fellowship, research and career in cardio-oncology. RESULTS: 131 cardiology trainees from across the globe responded to the survey, (51% early years trainees, 49% late years trainees). 65% of respondents had cardio-oncology services at their current place of work. Only 39% of respondents reported receiving specific training in cardio-oncology, with significantly global disparity (UK, USA and Canada trainees = 64%, rest of the world 37%, CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the urgent need for global standardization of cardio-oncology training, expanded fellowship programs, and increased awareness of guidelines and societies. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure equitable, high-quality cardiovascular care for cancer patients worldwide. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40959-025-00419-1.