11.3 Joint Position Statement of the ACC, IAGS and SCAI: The American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

Problem Presenter: Hadley Wilson

These proceedings summarize the educational activity of the 18th Biennial Meeting of the International Andreas Gruentzig Society held January 27 to 30, 2026, in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz, Ecuador.

Faculty Disclosures     Sponsors

2026 IAGS Summary Document

Statement of problem or issue

Several professional societies within cardiology joined together to submit a proposal for a new American Board of Cardiovascular Medicine. These professional organizations included: American College of Cardiology (ACC), Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), American Heart Association (AHA), Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), and Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA). Three fundamental principles underlying the new cardiovascular board are the following:

• The new Board will chart a path focused on ensuring that cardiologists are able to demonstrate continued clinical competency over the span of their careers, meeting the unique needs of today’s cardiovascular patients. 
• The new CV Board will provide a professional home and governance structure that is more representative of cardiovascular physicians and their practice.
• Built by cardiovascular professionals, the new Board will prioritize lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement.

The proposal was submitted to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in January 2024. In February 2025 the proposal was denied. Presently, cardiovascular medicine is under the auspices of the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), which exists within the ABMS. Cardiovascular medicine was created within ABIM in 1941.

Gaps in current knowledge

Members of the cardiology professional societies and their leaders are considering several options. Data and opinions are being gathered together, and strategies are being debated. [1]

Possible solutions or future directions

There are four focus areas under consideration:

• End the pursuit of a new cardiovascular medicine board.
• Remain within ABMS/ABIM structures –
  • Consider resubmitting the new board proposal in January 2027.
• Seek an alternative partner:
  • National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPS).
  • American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
  • American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
• Complete independence.

Another possibility would be to work directly with states and their licensing boards, healthcare organizations, and payors like CMS and various insurance companies. This possibility seems less likely due to the expense and scope of the work involved.

References

1. Available at: www. cvboard.org/pressreleases/official-update-from-the-american-board-of-cardiovascular-medicine. Accessed May 22, 2026.