Cardiac surgery residents training in Germany-Status quo and future prospects

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2020 Feb;159(2):579-587. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2019.08.020. Epub 2019 Sep 9.

Abstract

Residency training for specialization in cardiac surgery in Germany recently underwent a series of changes. A new 6-year integrated curriculum has been created that is based on acquisition of specific expertise rather than a rigid time frame. In effect, the training paradigm is one that is competency-based. After compliance with the curricular requirements and successfully completion of an examination, the Federal Medical Chamber grants the status of a licensed specialized physician ("Facharzt") and issues a certificate, which allows for independent clinical practice. There is no recertification during the course of the physicians' professional career. The educational curricula for specialized training are issued by the National Medical Chamber in cooperation with the respective surgical societies and passed by the German Medical Assembly.

Keywords: GSTCVS modular concept; cardiac surgery training; new Musterweiterbildungsordnung 2018; new educational guideline 2018; state of cardiac surgery in Germany.

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / education*
  • Clinical Competence
  • Curriculum
  • Germany
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / organization & administration*
  • Surgeons / education*
  • Thoracic Surgery* / education
  • Thoracic Surgery* / organization & administration