What pediatric residents should learn (or what pediatricians should know) about congenital heart disease.

Technologic advances in the care of children with congenital heart disease have resulted in improved care, younger ages at completion of treatment, and improved outcomes. A gap between what the pediatrician needs to do to identify a child with congenital heart disease and the specialized care provided by a cardiologist has developed over time. This has altered physician roles and the training needs for general pediatricians. This article outlines a model for training that emphasizes the skills necessary for pediatricians to identify infants and children early in life with congenital heart disease consistent with advances in diagnosis and management.