Overview The Department of Cardiology at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) organized a three-day simulator-based training course titled "Back to the Basics" . The course focuses on the fundamentals of cardiac interventions and aims to enhance the skills of cardiologists in their early career. Key Developments Program Details Name: Back to the Basics Organizer: Department of Cardiology, SCTIMST Type: Simulator-based training course Focus: Fundamentals of cardiac interventions Participation Over 250 cardiologists in their early career and cardiologists-in-training participated. Participants came from across the country and some neighboring countries. Course Content Covers diagnostic and interventional procedures for patients with coronary artery disease and valvular heart diseases. Discusses basics of invasive approaches to common congenital heart diseases. Includes sessions on implantation of artificial pacemakers and other devices for heart rhythm disorders. Training Methodology Emphasizes the use of simulators to provide hands-on experience. Simulates real clinical case scenarios and possible complications. Key Attractions Simulator sessions on percutaneous (non-surgical) aortic valve replacement. Sessions on laser angioplasty and CT imaging. Wetlab sessions on cardiac anatomy, Rotablation, and advanced intracoronary imaging and physiology assessment. Demos of cardiac support devices like IABP, ECMO, and Impella. Trans-esophageal echo simulator. Dissection of cadaver human heart. Faculty and Resources Faculty drawn from alumni of the Department of Cardiology of SCTIMST. Participants receive a course book and a CD containing conference deliberations. UPSC Relevance This program is relevant to GS3: Science and Technology , specifically in the context of advancements in medical technology and healthcare infrastructure. It also touches upon GS2: Health , highlighting the importance of training and skill development for medical professionals. Important Facts SCTIMST is an institute of national importance in the field of medical sciences. The program focuses on providing hands-on training in cardiac interventions . Simulation-based training is a key component of the course. The course covers a range of procedures, including percutaneous aortic valve replacement and laser angioplasty . ECMO and other cardiac support devices are demonstrated during the program.