European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Core Curriculum for the Cardiologist: 2026 update.

Abstract

This 2026 update of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Core Curriculum for the Cardiologist reflects contemporary and emerging requirements for the practice of cardiology and the resulting training needs. The document has three main parts:Section 1 outlining the main training requirements and their presentation in entrustable professional activities (EPAs).Section 2 explaining the requirements for training centres.Section 3 outlining the general skills, knowledge, and attitudes required in cardiology (chapter 1) - and eight chapters outlining EPAs in the different areas of cardiology (chapter 2 to 9). This update has been written over 9 months in a iterative process, involving over 90 representatives as per the initial curriculum, similar to that used for the previous iteration of the core curriculum in 2020. Though much of the 2020 core curriculum remains relevant and unchanged, there was a clear need to amend this previous curriculum to reflect the expanding roles of some areas of cardiology such as data science, digital health, and artificial intelligence. These items have now been specifically included along with general updates to various clinical EPAs due to changes in practice or evidence base.