The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is proposing the creation of a new, independent American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine.
Outgoing Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) president Ed Nicol, MD, of Royal Brompton Hospital in London, U.K., said in a farewell address that SCCT and its sister cardiovascular imaging societies have worked to ensure appropriate representation and education for cardiovascular imaging as part of the multisociety effort led by the American College of Cardiology.
If approved, the new board will break cardiology and cardiovascular training away from their long-standing incorporation under the American Board of Internal Medicine. Jeffrey Kuvin, MD, of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY, will serve as president and chair of the 15-member board of directors.
"Cardiology departments across the United States are separating from Internal Medicine departments in academic medical centers and health systems," the ABMS proposal states. "In fact, in many heart and vascular institutes or centers, Cardiovascular Medicine is often grouped and aligned with specialists in cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery rather than with Internal Medicine, further emphasizing the distinctness of the field. This includes separation from Internal Medicine regarding finances, administrative duties, academic affiliations, operations, and hospital and clinic geography."
The ABMS is inviting comments on the proposal from existing member boards and associate members, specialty and state medical societies, patient and consumer advocacy groups, hospitals and health systems, insurers, and the public, it said.
The board's application can be reviewed here. Comments should be submitted by July 24.
