The I-ACHD Experience

A Longitudinal Learning Community

 The I-ACHD course is designed as a longitudinal experience to engage learners year to year and progressively build knowledge and understanding of ACHD physiology and clinical management. In 2017, the inaugural course focused on the anatomy of congenital heart disease and understanding the complexities of physiology. Attendees were given a tour through ASDs, Tetralogy of Fallot and Fontan.

New course content for 2018 will have a special focus on coarctation, Ebstein anomaly and transposition of the great arteries and cover commonly encountered issues in ACHD including hemodynamics, electrophysiology, pregnancy, exercise recommendations and the intersection of general cardiology with ACHD.

The yearly in-person meetings are supplemented by webinars that further explore important aspects of ACHD such as physiology and Fontan liver disease.

 New students for 2018 will be given access to the 2017 course materials as well as the online webinars.

I-ACHD 2017 Course Review

The inaugural I-ACHD course was a tour through ASDs, Tetralogy of Fallot and single ventricle physiology. The course utilized three teaching formats: small group learning, hands-on anatomy teaching with 3D models, and simulation in the world-class SIMPeds lab. Course content focused on the anatomy of congenital heart disease and understanding the complexities of physiology. The course was well received with 88% of attendees rating the conference as “Excellent”.

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Praise for the 2017 I-ACHD Course

“Great conference. I’m still smiling when I think of this conference and that is rare. You created a wonderful event and I’m thankful for being able to attend.”

“Fantastic course with novel approach. The heart anatomy sessions were really fantastic as were the simulations.”

“…This conference was great and I loved the way it was structured. Using a case based approach and then having lectures that applied to that case and seeing the anatomy of these patients and then doing simulation was so helping in enhancing my understating of these patients and how to care for them. Great job to Dr. Shafer and Dr. Landzberg for putting on a great conference. Please host one again next year!”

“I thought the teaching format was unique and kept me interested and engaged from a group case discussion to hand-on- anatomy and case simulation.”

“Great format, avoids the boredom and fatigue of 2 x 4 hours of straight lecture. Hands-on complemented the case discussions and lectures; half day/lesion is about right.”

“I Enjoyed the varied and interactive methodology which was challenging, engaging and a preference compared to passive lecture learning. Leaned form other attendees as well as faculty.”