Electrophysiology fellowship experience and requirements: an EHRA survey

Aims This study aims to survey current educational experience and the individual requirements for electrophysiologists in training.Methods and results The European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) e-Communication Committee and the Scientific Initiatives Committee prepared a questionnaire and distributed it via newsletters, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. The survey consisted of 22 questions collected on an individual basis anonymously. Two hundred and forty-three responders from 35 countries (32% female, age 38 & PLUSMN; 6 years old) completed the survey. This EHRA electrophysiology (EP) fellowship survey showed that (i) hands-on participation and observation of EP procedures are very important; (ii) the main motivations to choose the EP fellowship institution are centre reputation and volume as well as the availability of a structured EP fellowship programme; (iii) 59% passed the EHRA exam and 46% took a national certification exam; (iv) respondents are overall satisfied with their own fellowships, but there are areas of less confidence such as conduction system pacing implantation and cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation; (v) 78% of respondents performed research during their fellowship, (vi) the optimal duration of an EP fellowship should be at least 2 years; and (viii) doing fellowships abroad is beneficial, but significant obstacles exist.Conclusion The results of this EHRA survey may help to refine current EP fellowship programmes to improve the quality of EP training and early career building of young electrophysiologists. Graphical Abstract

Automated summary

This study surveyed the current educational experience and individual requirements for electrophysiologists in training. The survey revealed that hands-on participation and observation of EP procedures are crucial, and the reputation and volume of the center, as well as the availability of a structured EP fellowship program, are the main motivations in choosing an EP fellowship institution. Most respondents expressed satisfaction with their fellowships, but areas of lesser confidence were identified. Conducting research during the fellowship was common and considered beneficial for early career development, although obstacles were reported.