Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

I have just finished reading the article concerning Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute's EP training program [Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute's New Electrophysiology Technology Training Program, pages 20-21, October 2006, EP Lab Digest], and wish to extend my congratulations and thanks for implementing a program that is long overdue. As pointed out in the article, "OJT" in the EP lab has become a luxury that overburdened schedules rarely allow. It is most gratifying to see formal education programs developing. I must take exception, however, with the statement that "There have been no formal educational programs or training, except for courses offered by the Heart Rhythm Society, in-services offered by medical device companies, and hospital-based educational seminars offered by senior EP techs and nurses." For the past 12 years, the South Atlantic Society of Electrophysiology for Allied Professionals (SASEAP) has offered a yearly 3-day educational seminar operated by Allied Professionals for Allied Professionals. While I realize that the purpose of the statement was to point out the lack of educational and training opportunities in the EP arena, I think it is important to recognize that SASEAP has been trying to address this need for over a decade. I applaud TCAI's efforts, as well as those of other institutions developing similar programs, but please don't overlook those who have been addressing this issue for years. Readers may contact SASEAP at www.SASEAP.org for more information. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Michael Sipes, RN, Director of Board, SASEAP