The Emergence of Sports Cardiology as a Specialty

The physician's role starts with pre-participation screening (history, physical examination, and testing as needed) (3), as well as deciding on immediate participation or return to play; supervision of exercise intensification in cardiac rehabilitation; and involvement in the elaboration of policies promoting wellness of athletes, promoting prevention and management of sudden cardiac death in athletes, maximizing cardiovascular performance without the use of performance-enhancing drugs, and ensuring the safety of sports arena (e.g., availability of automated external defibrillators). [...]of such discussions and guidance from the ACC leadership (including Lifelong Learning Competencies and Core Cardiovascular Training Committees), a writing committee led by Dr. Aaron Baggish was created to compile a comprehensive document containing a proposed core curriculum and educational pathway for the care of athletes and exercising individuals.