Determination of professional competency in a rapidly changing environment

The recently published American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/American College of Physicians Clinical Competency Statement for cardiac computed tomography/cardiac magnetic resonance (CCT/CMR) will be of great value to hospital medical staff organizations that grant privileges in the exciting new fields of CCT/CMR. More evidence is needed to document the number of hours of continuing medical education (CME) and minimum case loads required to maintain competence. This ongoing experience should be integrated into comprehensive imaging and clinical education, including vascular imaging as well as cardiac. Mandating hours of CME and minimum case loads does not, by itself, assure quality. Assessment of competency should employ measurable performance standards, identify areas needing improvement, and emphasize continuous quality improvement principles.