Articles
Career Paths in Cardiology: Cardio-Obstetrics
Cardiology is a field with a wide range of subspecialty choices. Most FITs decide on a subspecialty in their first two years of fellowship; however, it is never too late to develop your niche. Exploring your options with an open mind will help you find the best fit within Cardiology. In this regular featured series, we highlight experts in Missouri that are engaged in sub-specialty fields.
Dr. Anna Grodzinsky MD MSc is a non-invasive cardiologist at St Luke’s North Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She specializes in Cardio-Obstetrics, a multi-disciplinary specialty focused on management of cardiovascular disease in pregnancy.
Dr. Grodzinsky was interviewed by MO ACC Connect.
Q. Can you tell us more about the field of Cardio-Obstetrics?
A. This is an emerging subspecialty, gaining momentum over the course of the past 10 years! There is no ACGME-accredited training program within Cardio-OB, yet there are elective opportunities (inclusive of those offered through the cardio obstetric section of the national ACC, chapter meetings, quarterly society for maternal fetal medicine case review conferences, Cardiac Problems in Pregnancy conferences) that one may leverage to contribute to research and patient care in this field.
Q. Please share your interest and journey in the field of Cardio-Obstetrics.
A. During cardiology fellowship, I was followed by our maternal-fetal medicine clinic during pregnancy and felt well cared for by our maternal-fetal medicine team. Shortly thereafter, I became aware of gaps in knowledge related to optimal counseling and care for patients with cardiovascular conditions during pregnancy. I was encouraged to collaborate from a research perspective by my research mentor and delighted to have followed his guidance! I have been incredibly fortunate to have excellent support from my mentors within our Muriel Kauffman Women's Heart Center, which has promoted progressive programs focused on cardiovascular care for conditions unique to, and more common to, women. Experiencing motherhood contributed to my interest in cardio-OB and I love participating in the research programs to which we contribute -an incredibly fulfilling parallel to clinical cardiology!
Q. Are there formal training pathways in this specialty?
A. There is currently no ACGME accredited fellowship within this specialty, but many opportunities to enhance clinical and research experience exist.
Q. What are the greatest challenges facing the field of Cardio-Obstetrics
A. There remains substantial variability in practice organization/structure of cardio-OB programs across the country. Continued funding and legislative support remain priorities!
Q. What advice would you like to share with FITs that may be interested in considering a career in cardio-obstetrics.
A. It is helpful to connect with colleagues at your training institution identified as clinical champions of cardio-OB care if possible. Providers within the national ACC Cardio- obstetric section as well Missouri ACC Chapter meetings serve as excellent for networking.
