The Ten-Minute Interview: Jeff Davis, RCIS, FSICP

Jeff Davis is the program coordinator for the Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program at Edison Community College in Fort Myers, Florida. He is also the SICP representative to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT).

[Editor's note: The SICP has now become part of the Alliance for Cardiovascular Professionals [ACVP]).

Why did you choose to work in the invasive cardiology field?

Like a lot of others, heart/cardiovascular disease has affected my family. My parents, grandfathers, niece, and others have been touched by either congenital or acquired cardiovascular disease. What I really like best is my job as an educator. It is very satisfying to play a part in the educational process of our students. To see them develop into competent and caring cardiovascular technologists is very rewarding.

What is the most unusual case you have ever involved in?

I don't really have a lot of unusual cases, so I would like to share a very satisfying one. About ten years ago, I was visiting clinical sites and checking on my cardiovascular students. Three students were scheduled in the cath lab of one of our local hospitals. These were second-year students, just before their graduation. As I walked in to the control room, one of them was recording a diagnostic case. Looking in to the procedure room, another student was scrubbing, and the other manipulating the imaging equipment. There were seasoned preceptors standing by for each student, but the students and the cardiologist were actually doing the case. Usually we have one or two students participating in cases, but this was the first time it was just the students and the doctor. This scenario has happened again since that time, but I will always remember the first time. Oh, and yes everything went very well!

Where do you see yourself professionally when it is time to retire?

I would like to continue to be involved in the educational aspects of invasive cardiology. The need for education will become greater as our field continues to evolve. The nice thing about education is that you never really stop learning. The more you learn, the more you realize there is to learn. This is especially true in invasive cardiology.

Why did you choose to get involved with the SICP?

I met Chris Nelson, immediate past president of the SICP, at a meeting in Atlanta in the 1990s. As we visited, I gained an appreciation of the positive work the SICP was doing as a professional society for the invasive cardiovascular professionals. I knew I wanted to be involved with this organization and be a part of the growth of the profession. I also met Brad Ferguson at the same time; he was the previous SICP representative to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT). He recommended me for that position last year and it is my pleasure to represent the SICP.

Can you describe your role with the SICP?

I am the liaison between the SICP and the Joint Review Committee in Education for Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT). The JRC-CVT accredits cardiovascular educational programs. These programs can be based at colleges or hospitals. It is important that the organization which accredits cardiovascular educational programs has input from the professional societies served by the programs. As a sponsoring organization, the SICP provides input to the JRC-CVT. This is one way to make sure educational programs are keeping current with new trends in the field and that the curriculum and competencies taught are reflective of the current state of the profession.

Your work for the SICP is volunteer. What motivates you to continue?

Invasive cardiovascular technology is a young and exciting field. The SICP is on the forefront of advancing the field of invasive cardiovascular technology. This is accomplished through educational, legislative and professional efforts. The SICP is making a difference and positive strides are being made. To be involved as our profession evolves and to hopefully have a positive impact is a great motivation.

What is the biggest challenge you see regarding your role with the SICP?

Increasing the awareness of the invasive cardiology profession of the SICP and its mission. Another is to encourage the professionals in the cath labs to become involved with the SICP. With respect to my role as the SICP representative to the JRC-CVT, it is the adoption of new educational standards and guidelines that will provide the framework for accreditation of cardiovascular programs. These efforts will require a collaborative effort and will be a very worthwhile challenge.

If you could send a message back to yourself at the beginning of your cath lab career, what advice would you give?

As overwhelming as the volume of information and technical expertise of seasoned professionals may seem, no one is born with all of the knowledge and skills. Be patient, work hard and you will learn and develop. Hang out with people who know more than you, are good teachers and who are willing to help you grow. When you get yelled at, listen to what is being said, not how it is being said (Bill Hillman told me that). And¦ don™t worry, be happy.

What changes do you think will occur in the field of cardiology in the coming decades?

I see continued advances in technologies, particularly advances in imaging, including new modalities to non-invasively image the heart, coronaries and the vascular system. Also, I expect new cardiac repair procedures and emerging technologies for non-cardiac interventional procedures. I kid with my students and tell them that five years from now we will probably make fun of the modalities being taught now. We can't really imagine what the future will hold. As invasive cardiology continues to evolve, we will need to remember that cath labs are not just for hearts anymore.

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