Cardiac surgery residents training in Germany-Status quo and future prospects.

Residency training for specialization in cardiac surgery in Germany recently underwent a series of changes. A new 6-year integrated curriculum has been created that is based on acquisition of specific expertise rather than a rigid time frame. In effect, the training paradigm is one that is competency-based. After compliance with the curricular requirements and successfully completion of an examination, the Federal Medical Chamber grants the status of a licensed specialized physician ("Facharzt") and issues a certificate, which allows for independent clinical practice. There is no recertification during the course of the physicians' professional career. The educational curricula for specialized training are issued by the National Medical Chamber in cooperation with the respective surgical societies and passed by the German Medical Assembly.