Table 3 Competency model for cardiovascular physicians in accordance with the Chinese context.

P1.Clinical skills and medical services

0.195

P1S1

Able to systematically and accurately obtain patient history for cardiovascular conditions, including history of present illness, past medical history, family history, and risk factors, with a particular focus on common cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

0.0599

0.0117

P1S2

Proficient in performing standardized cardiovascular physical examinations, capable of identifying typical signs of heart failure, valvular diseases, pericardial disorders, and peripheral vascular diseases, and independently interpreting abnormal findings.

0.0605

0.0118

P1S3

Capable of selecting and interpreting a wide range of cardiovascular diagnostic tests, including ECG, Holter monitoring, echocardiography, coronary CT angiography, cardiac MRI, laboratory investigations, functional assessments (e.g., cardiac function tests, exercise ECG, stress echocardiography, pharmacologic stress tests, myocardial perfusion imaging), and invasive diagnostic procedures such as cardiac catheterization, electrophysiological studies, and pacemaker function evaluation, to support accurate diagnosis of coronary artery disease, valvular disease, cardiomyopathies, pulmonary hypertension, and related conditions.

0.0602

0.0117

P1S4

Able to communicate effectively within multidisciplinary teams regarding cardiovascular patient care, clearly articulating clinical judgments and management plans, especially in acute conditions such as acute coronary syndromes, decompensated heart failure, and life-threatening arrhythmias.

0.0599

0.0117

P1S5

Capable of formulating individualized treatment plans based on evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest Chinese clinical guidelines and international scientific evidence, including pharmacologic therapy, interventional and surgical treatments, and rehabilitation strategies.

0.0593

0.0116

P1S6

Skilled in recognizing and participating in the emergency management of cardiovascular emergencies, including acute myocardial infarction, severe arrhythmias, acute heart failure, aortic dissection, and pulmonary embolism, with the ability to operate effectively in emergency or ICU settings.

0.0599

0.0117

P1S7

Able to independently assess and triage cardiovascular patients, develop preliminary diagnostic and treatment plans, and recognize the need for referral or multidisciplinary collaboration.

0.0596

0.0116

P1S8

Possesses cross-disciplinary analytical skills to design personalized chronic disease management strategies—such as for hypertension and secondary prevention of coronary artery disease—based on the sociocultural and psychological context of Chinese patients.

0.0553

0.0108

P1S9

Able to integrate the latest cardiovascular research findings into clinical practice, enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes, including the application of cardiac rehabilitation, remote monitoring, and AI-assisted diagnostics.

0.0553

0.0108

P1S10

Proficient in the use and safe handling of commonly used cardiovascular equipment and medications, including monitors, temporary pacemakers, coronary angiography tools, vascular stents, and cardiovascular drugs, with the ability to identify and manage associated complications.

0.0599

0.0117

P1S11

Skilled in comprehensive and compliant medical documentation, ensuring completeness, traceability, and legal soundness of clinical records, with accurate recording of key decision points, especially in multidisciplinary contexts.

0.0599

0.0117

P1S12

Able to independently assess and manage complex cardiovascular conditions (e.g., multivessel coronary disease, severe valvular heart disease, refractory hypertension, adult congenital heart disease, chronic heart failure), incorporating Chinese population characteristics and local clinical experience.

0.0599

0.0117

P1S13

Knowledgeable in commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic techniques within the Chinese healthcare context, including percutaneous coronary interventions, radiofrequency ablation, device implantation (e.g., pacemakers, ICDs), and transcatheter valve procedures, with basic technical and perioperative management competencies.

0.0556

0.0108

P1S14

Demonstrates cultural competence and effective communication, establishing trust with patients and families, explaining disease conditions, treatment options, and prognosis clearly, and providing psychological support, health education, and guidance for long-term care.

0.0599

0.0117

P1S15

Able to explain medical concepts in lay terms, engage patients in shared decision-making, and enhance their adherence to pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation).

0.0596

0.0116

P1S16

Possesses a comprehensive understanding of the procedural workflow and technical nuances of cardiovascular interventions and minimally invasive procedures, with the ability to optimize technique, anticipate intraoperative challenges, and coordinate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to ensure procedural safety and efficacy.

0.0553

0.0108

P1S17

Able to select cardiovascular medications rationally in the context of common comorbidities in the Chinese population (e.g., diabetes, renal impairment), and well-versed in indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and drug interactions to optimize therapeutic outcomes and minimize risk.

0.0605

0.0118

P2.Disease prevention and health promotion

0.1115

P2S1

Provide personalized prevention measures and health promotion plans for cardiovascular diseases in Chinese patients, including lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, exercise programs, and cardiovascular disease screening.

0.3358

0.0374

P2S2

Collaborate with other medical teams and public health departments to develop comprehensive cardiovascular disease prevention and control strategies, including rehabilitation programs tailored to China’s context.

0.3321

0.037

P2S3

Familiarize with the structure and operational mechanisms of the Chinese cardiovascular healthcare system, and make effective use of medical resources in the cardiovascular field in China to ensure the implementation of disease prevention and health promotion efforts.

0.3321

0.037

P3.Information and management skills

0.0611

P3S1

Utilize specialized databases and literature search tools in the field of cardiovascular diseases to obtain the latest medical information and research findings.

0.1787

0.0109

P3S2

Employ information technology to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, including through medical conferences, academic discussions, and telemedicine consultations, to promote comprehensive patient management.

0.1622

0.0099

P3S3

Ensure the rationality and cost-effectiveness of cardiovascular treatment and medication plans, effectively control medical expenses, and enhance the efficiency of medical resource utilization.

0.1659

0.0101

P3S4

Strictly adhere to China’s medical information management regulations and standards, managing cardiovascular patient records and related information to ensure completeness, accuracy, and confidentiality.

0.165

0.0101

P3S5

Conduct comprehensive health assessments and management of cardiovascular patients, including diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation guidance, considering the unique epidemiological and cultural characteristics of cardiovascular diseases in China.

0.1641

0.01

P3S6

Utilize modern information technology to conduct cardiovascular health education and publicity activities with Chinese characteristics, raising public awareness and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

0.1641

0.01

P4.Medical knowledge and lifelong learning ability

0.1066

P4S1

Master the fundamental biomedical knowledge of cardiovascular diseases, including cardiovascular anatomy, physiology, and pathology, with particular attention to the characteristics of the Chinese population.

0.1996

0.0213

P4S2

Possess knowledge in behavioral and social sciences, medical ethics, and law, and be able to integrate the Chinese cultural background into clinical practice, considering patients’ psychological, social, and legal factors.

0.2007

0.0214

P4S3

Proficiently apply basic clinical medical knowledge, including the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and develop personalized treatment plans based on the characteristics of the Chinese population.

0.2007

0.0214

P4S4

Stay informed about the latest advancements in the field of cardiovascular medicine, including the application of new materials and technologies, with a particular focus on key areas such as imaging, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, acute cardiovascular settings, prevention and rehabilitation, as well as basic knowledge of aortic diseases, trauma to the aorta or heart, peripheral artery disease, thromboembolic venous disease, pulmonary thromboembolism, pulmonary hypertension, and adult congenital heart disease, in order to continuously enhance knowledge and professional skills.

0.2018

0.0215

P4S5

Actively participate in continuing education and academic exchange activities in the field of cardiovascular medicine, such as conferences, seminars, and training courses, to continuously improve professional capabilities and clinical practice.

0.1973

0.021

P5.Interpersonal communication skills

0.0643

P5S1

Listen to patients’ opinions and concerns, understand their condition and psychological state, to provide better medical services.

0.1116

0.0072

P5S2

Respect patients’ choices and opinions, build a trustful relationship with them, and especially consider the cultural context of China to ensure patients feel respected and cared for.

0.1116

0.0072

P5S3

Safeguard patients’ privacy and the right to informed consent, ensuring that their personal and medical information is kept confidential and respected.

0.1116

0.0072

P5S4

Handle ethical issues in medical practice, such as patient rights protection and medical decision-making, in accordance with Chinese ethical traditions and values, respecting patients’ personal wishes and family concepts, and protecting their legal rights.

0.1116

0.0072

P5S5

Actively prevent and resolve conflicts and misunderstandings between patients and healthcare providers through effective communication and explanation, alleviating patients’ anxiety and concerns.

0.1104

0.0071

P5S6

Deliver negative news, such as disease diagnoses or treatment plans, to patients in a sensitive manner, balancing honesty with compassion to minimize emotional distress.

0.111

0.0071

P5S7

Engage with patients and their families in clinical decision-making, respecting patients’ wishes and reaching consensus, while considering the Chinese cultural environment.

0.1104

0.0071

P5S8

Clearly and accurately convey medical information and treatment plans to patients and their families, ensuring they understand and comply with medical procedures.

0.1116

0.0072

P5S9

Communicate and collaborate effectively with patients, families, medical team members, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the smooth delivery of medical services.

0.1104

0.0071

P6.Teamwork skills

0.0581

P6S1

Actively collaborate with team members, respecting their professional abilities and contributions, jointly develop patient treatment plans, and coordinate resources to ensure smooth medical services.

0.3243

0.0188

P6S2

Demonstrate good communication and coordination skills, emphasize harmony and stability, promptly resolve internal conflicts and disputes, and maintain team harmony and stability.

0.3243

0.0188

P6S3

Follow and execute the orders and clinical treatment decisions of senior physicians to ensure patients receive standardized and timely medical services, maintaining their health and safety.

0.3514

0.0204

P7.Scientific research skills

0.1734

P7S1

Exhibit critical thinking abilities, applying China’s cultural emphasis on practical and thoughtful analysis to make appropriate medical decisions, providing high-quality medical services, and enhancing patient trust and satisfaction.

0.334

0.0579

P7S2

Possess the ability to read and review academic literature, conduct systematic literature reviews, stay updated on the latest medical advancements, and actively disseminate and share medical knowledge.

0.334

0.0579

P7S3

Actively participate in research activities in cardiovascular diseases, especially in high-priority areas such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, to contribute to evidence-based practice in China’s evolving healthcare system.

0.3321

0.0576

P8.Core values and professionalism

0.23

P8S1

Adhere to the principle of serving the health of the people throughout one’s career, prioritize patients’ health, provide high-quality medical services, and uphold the original intentions of being a physician.

0.0767

0.0176

P8S2

Foster an altruistic mindset, strive for medical excellence, actively contribute to the development of China’s healthcare system, avoid temptations of fame and fortune, and practice compassion through tangible actions.

0.0708

0.0163

P8S3

Possess sincere and trustworthy qualities, strong sense of responsibility, and proactively fulfill the duties of a physician, addressing issues of trust between doctors and patients in China with a professional attitude and dedication.

0.0708

0.0163

P8S4

Show love and empathy, care for patients’ physical and mental health, protect their rights, privacy, and interests, and provide warmth and concern.

0.0708

0.0163

P8S5

Abide by industry standards, insurance policies, and ethical guidelines, putting patients at the center, and wholeheartedly pursue the greatest benefit for patients, safeguarding their rights and interests.

0.0705

0.0162

P8S6

Exhibit meticulous, detailed, and keen medical observation and analysis skills, and accurately assess patients’ conditions and needs, considering the characteristics of cardiovascular patients in China.

0.0705

0.0162

P8S7

Maintain physical and mental health, possess good psychological qualities and stress resilience, effectively handle various pressures and challenges in work and life, and maintain a healthy working state.

0.0705

0.0162

P8S8

Utilize medical resources fairly and reasonably in medical services, be mindful of the uneven distribution of healthcare resources in China, ensure effective use of resources, provide equitable medical services, and promote sustainable development in healthcare.

0.0701

0.0161

P8S9

Have awareness of occupational health and protection, take effective measures to reduce occupational hazards in medical work, and ensure the health and safety of healthcare professionals.

0.0767

0.0176

P8S10

Be capable of responding to emergencies, focus on the handling of medical disasters and public health emergencies in China, and be able to react quickly and decisively to ensure patient safety and interests.

0.0705

0.0162

P8S11

Maintain a clean and professional appearance, reflecting the image of a physician and showcasing the demeanor of a medical professional.

0.0705

0.0162

P8S12

Objectively assess one’s clinical abilities, recognize personal limitations, and seek advice or assistance from others in a timely manner to enhance medical skills and service quality.

0.0708

0.0163

P8S13

Respect the professional opinions and advice of colleagues, maintain good relationships with peers, and jointly promote the development of the healthcare industry.

0.0705

0.0162

P8S14

Be aware of the risks of medical disputes, understand the occurrence and handling of such disputes in China, anticipate potential disputes, and take measures to prevent or resolve them.

0.0705

0.0162