Henry Low Heart Center Annual Report, 2007 - Hartford Hospital!

Cardiology College: Only at Hartford Hospital
More than 40 students enrolled in the first semester of Cardiology College in October, 2007. Paul
D. Thompson, MD, Chief of Cardiology, developed this innovative program for the lay public as a
method to teach people who have an interest in medicine about heart disease. Over a period of five
weeks, students gathered in the education room at Hartford Hospital’s Wellness Center in Blue Back
Square in West Hartford. Students included many people with diagnosed heart disease, high school
students with an interest in medicine and professionals from a variety of health-related industries.
Classes began with an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system and
covered the topics of cardiac catheterization, treatment of heart rhythm disorders and congestive heart failure. Expert faculty
members, Drs. Jeffrey Kluger, Francis Kiernan, Christopher Clyne, Detlef Wencker, Justin Lundbye and Paul D. Thompson were
There has long been a need for education about
heart disease, designed for the consumer.
unanimous in their praise of Cardiology College. “There has long been a need for education about heart disease, designed for the
consumer,” remarks Dr. Thompson. One class that students were particularly enthused about was taught at Hartford Hospital’s
Simulation Center, where a human-like manikin was used to teach students what actually transpires when a patient suffers an acute
cardiac event. Students gave the program high marks for being informative, interesting and allowing useful dialogue between faculty
and students. Cardiology College will offer this 5-week class in the Fall and Spring
semester each year.
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