Second-Level University Master Degree in Diseases of the Pulmonary Circulation 

In collaboration with the Italian National Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) and the Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio

Course Description

The Master program aims to train cardiologists, internal medicine specialists and emergency physicians, pulmonologists, rheumatologists, hematologists, and radiologists with comprehensive expertise in the management of diseases of the pulmonary circulation, with particular emphasis on the early and accurate diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension and pulmonary embolism.

Through a theoretical and practical approach, developed in collaboration with the Pulmonary Circulation Diseases Working Group of ANMCO, the program will provide advanced competencies in echocardiographic, hemodynamic, radiological, and respiratory functional assessment, as well as in the therapeutic management of patients with various forms of pulmonary hypertension and/or pulmonary embolism.

The objectives include developing expertise in the recognition and treatment of both simple and complex diseases complicated by the development of pulmonary hypertension, integrating multidisciplinary knowledge, and providing hands-on training in specialized centers.

Target Audience

The program is intended for candidates holding:

A Master's Degree under Italian Ministerial Decree 270/2004, A Specialist Degree under Ministerial Decree 509/1999,
• An equivalent degree under the previous university system,

in Medicine and Surgery, together with a specialization diploma (or equivalent qualification) in:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Rheumatology
• Oncology
• Hematology
• Related disciplines

Alternatively, physicians currently enrolled in a residency training program in the above specialties may also apply.

Learning Objectives

The Master's program aims to train highly specialized professionals in the integrated management of pulmonary circulation diseases. Specific objectives include:

• Acquiring advanced skills for the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pulmonary circulation diseases through the use of state-of-the-art methodologies such as echocardiography, chest CT, cardiac MRI, respiratory function testing, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and cardiac catheterization.
• Developing practical competencies in multidisciplinary therapeutic management, including both pharmacological and interventional approaches, to optimize clinical outcomes.
• Promoting the integration of multidisciplinary knowledge to address complex diseases through a systematic approach.
• Preparing participants to work in centers of excellence, collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to improve the quality of healthcare delivery.
• Providing the tools needed to interpret the latest clinical guidelines and apply evidence-based diagnostic/prognostic algorithms and innovative therapeutic strategies.

Teaching Methodology

• In-person classroom-based training with live sessions.
• Pre-recorded asynchronous lectures available on a dedicated online platform.
• Workshop sessions.
• Clinical placements in institutions designated by the Master's Program Director.

Course Structure

The Master's program lasts 18 months and is organized into seven educational modules, combining:

• In-person lectures (held at the ANMCO National Headquarters in Florence and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa),
• Asynchronous distance learning activities (including tutorial lectures and supplementary materials),
• Certified practical training in affiliated healthcare institutions.

The detailed academic calendar will be published shortly.

Participation Fee

€3,500.00

Qualification Awarded

Second-Level University Master Degree in “Diseases of the Pulmonary Circulation”.