2025 ACC/AHA/ASE/ASNC/SCCT/SCMR Advanced Training Statement on Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging

Christopher M. KramerACC President, cardiovascular imaging specialist

“The new training statement defines the imager of the future by laying out the new definition of an advanced imager as a cardiologist who practices all four major imaging modalities. This is a bold definition that will push trainees to expand their horizons and search out programs that are able to train them in all of the modalities.”

Christopher M. KramerACC President, cardiovascular imaging specialist

“Gone are the days when it was sufficient to finish fellowship and be competent in one modality.”

“We are now at a pivotal point. Although the 2025 multisociety Advanced Training Statement provides essential guidance for training programs, significant barriers remain, ranging from variability in program structure and experience to lack of consistent funding and institutional support, an unpredictable application process, limited early exposure to imaging for general fellows, and ongoing challenges within the job market... In combination with existing COCATS guidance, board certification examinations, and this training statement, formalized accreditation would help propel advanced cardiac imaging education to the same high-level standardized education that we expect from other cardiac specialties. The road may be long, but the destination is worth the effort.”