Arthur J. Labovitz, MD, FASE, FACC, FAHA
Over the past decade, echocardiography has played an increasingly important role in the care of the critically ill patient. In addition to those with conventional cardiovascular training, individuals with backgrounds in emergency medicine, pulmonary, and anesthesia critical care have become quite expert in the acquisition and interpretation of what has become to be known as the Critical Care Echo (CCE).
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the skill set of these individuals in the diagnosis and treatment of associated cardiac and pulmonary pathology.
ASE has long recognized the expertise of those using echo in the care of these patients and has supported synergies in training and application over the years including a recent guidelines paper on CCE and POCUS training. It should be noted that most, if not all, Accredited Critical Care training programs provide basic POCUS training as part of the core curriculum, and offer more comprehensive CCE training as well.
Recognizing the need to establish a certification process for those with special competence in CCE, ASE partnered with a number of other societies including SCCM, CHEST, ATS, ACEP, ASA, WINFOCUS, SCA, and others to develop an exam and certification process run by the National Board of Echocardiography (NBE). I was honored to have the opportunity to chair this effort for the NBE, and work with a group of individuals, with both passion and expertise in a field that I have utilized throughout my career. The NBE will be offering the third annual CCE certification exam in January 2021.
With that background, I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Critical Care Echo (CCE) specialty interest group (SIG) of the ASE. This group began as a task force of the Society established by ASE past president Jonathan Lindner, MD, FASE, and further supported by the immediate-past president Madhav Swaminathan, MD, FASE, and current president Judy Hung, MD, FASE. Currently, the CCE SIG is composed of individuals involved with the CCE exam and POCUS task force and is expected to grow exponentially over the next few years.
The role of the CCE SIG will revolve around activities that have long been associated with the success of ASE. These would include discussions of the needs related to education, research, advocacy, and patient care. The power of echo to assist in the care of patients is appreciated by a diverse group of caregivers and will continue to be represented by ASE. If you would like to get involved with the CCE SIG, please contact ASE's Specialty Interest Group & Membership Coordinator, Danielle King at dking@asecho.org.
Arthur J. Labovitz, MD, FASE, FACC, FAHA, is a consulting cardiologist at Naples Cardiac and Endovascular Center, and Tampa General Hospital. He is the Chair of the Critical Care Echocardiography SIG, a long-term member of ASE, and a former board of directors' member. Dr. Labovitz serves as chairman of the Adult Echo and Critical Care Echo Certification committees and board director of the National Board of Echocardiography.