Objectives:

1. To learn the basic approach to reading ECGs (Medical knowledge and patient care).
2. To read a large number of ECGs and gain experience in ECG interpretation (Practice-based learning and improvement).
3. To perform exercise treadmill tests (Patient care, practice-based learning). To learn when these tests are helpful and when they are not (System-based care).
4. The resident should learn to correlate ECG findings with pathophysiologic processes including: congenital heart disease, angina, myocardial infarction, pericarditis, chamber enlargement, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutte, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, conduction blocks (sick-sinus syndrome, 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree blocks, bundle branch blocks), and artificially paced rhythms. (Medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, patient care)

Description of Clinical Experience

• Each resident will spend 1 hour by appointment with the Attending Cardiologist assigned to read ECGs . They will read the ECGs and then discuss their interpretation with the Cardiologist. They will also help perform and interpert cardiac stress tests.

Description of Didactic Experience

• The resident will be expected to present one classic or interesting ECG at Case Conference weekly.

Evaluation Process

• Written feedback from the attending physicians with whom they work.

Feedback Mechanism

• Direct feedback from Cardiology Fellows and attending physicians, as well as a written formatted rotation evaluation. This rotation has been agreed to and approved by the Chief of the Division of Cardiology. Residents are given copies of all rotation summaries at the beginning of their PGY-1 year. Residents should use rotation summaries, formatted written rotation evaluations, and their performance on the In-service Examination to assess the rotation's effectiveness.