Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in developed countries. The need for well-trained specialists is obvious due to the societal impact of the disease. Training of cadres of future cardiovascular specialists is a daunting task. The ever-changing technological landscape and fast growing literature make it even more challenging. Time and effort invested into training such a specialist should pay off to society in improved quality of life and longevity. We would like to discuss the training of those who have just graduated from medical school and would be considered a “quality final product” about 2025.

Candidate selection

In our opinion, in order to be a good cardiologist, one has to develop a broad medical knowledge base first. Thus, prior sound internal medicine training is essential. As cardiovascular disease is a major subspecialty of internal medicine and its fellowship training is considered the most sought after in many countries, a good candidate base exists for the selection of future cardiologists. The importance of appropriate selection of an individual for training as a cardiovascular specialist cannot be underestimated. This is where success (or lack thereof) starts and can end.
The US National Resident Matching Program (NRMP, a private, non-profit organization established in 1952) and its derivative, the Medical Specialties Matching Program (MSMP), provide a platform for competitive distribution of spots for postgraduate training of physicians. It is arguably the largest, single, universal, countrywide, most comprehensive and fair system of obtaining specialty training positions. The NRMP uses a mathematical algorithm to place applicants into training positions. The algorithm is based on applicants submitting their preferences (known as the rank order lists). The programs submit their candidate preference lists. Thorough examination of programs by candidates and vice versa, including candidate visits with formal interviews, occurs. No applicant could obtain a better outcome than the one produced by the algorithm. Research on the algorithm was the basis for awarding the 2012 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.
The match algorithm works in the best interests of the candidate, but also ensures that the coveted programs get quality candidates. It allows applicants and program directors to consider each other without pressure, creating an impartial venue for matching applicants’ and program...


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