Education Spotlight: OCT Clinical Pathway Program
Tampa General Hospital’s (TGH) Interventional Cardiology Center of Excellence, in collaboration with USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, is setting a new benchmark in advanced cardiac imaging education. Under the leadership of Dr. Hiram Bezerra, Director of the TGH Interventional Cardiology Center of Excellence and professor at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, TGH recently hosted an exclusive hands-on training as part of Abbott’s OCT Clinical Pathway Program.
As the only U.S. physician chosen to train peers in Abbott’s OCT Clinical Pathway Program, Dr. Bezerra partnered with co-leads Dr. Donald Quimby and Darrin Crosby MBA, RRT, RCIS to guide participants through advanced techniques using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Ultreon™ 2.0 Software. Together, they offer a comprehensive training experience that integrates physician expertise with technical and operational insights from the Cath Lab ecosystem.
The program spans 4.5 months and includes virtual learning, hands-on case work, and in-person instruction. The training culminates in a live case day and networking event at TGH, providing participants with a full-spectrum educational experience. Attendees gain:
- A strong foundation in OCT image acquisition and interpretation
- Proficiency in Ultreon™ 2.0 Software and the MLD MAX stray
- Practical experience with complex PCI scenarios
- Mentorship from Dr. Bezerra, a global leader in intravascular imaging
Since its launch in 2024, the program has trained over 40 physicians across 28 states, addressing the growing demand for precision imaging and enhanced resolution in cardiology.