Paediatric cardiology

Organization

Belgian Academy of Peadiatric Cardiology (BAOPc)

Objectives

The Belgian Academy of Peadiatric Cardiology (BAOPc) is a scientific and professional association that operates as a working group within the Belgian Academy of Pediatrics (BAOP).

The association pursues a clearly non-profit objective and is committed to improving cardiovascular care for children and adolescents in Belgium.

The core objective of the BAOPc is to promote the quality of prevention, care, diagnosis, and treatment of congenital and acquired cardiovascular diseases in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

This is achieved by fostering excellence in clinical practice, evidence-based care, and continuous quality improvement in pediatric cardiology.

In addition, the BAOPc plays a central role in education and training. The association develops, disseminates, and safeguards scientific reference standards for undergraduate education, postgraduate training, and continuing professional development of pediatricians and pediatric cardiologists. International guidelines, including those of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the Association for European Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC), are adapted to the Belgian context in order to support uniform and high-quality care delivery.

The BAOPc also actively promotes scientific exchange and research. By encouraging collaboration between university and non-university centers, the association supports both clinical and fundamental research in pediatric cardiology. Initiatives such as national registries and joint research projects contribute to knowledge development and innovation in the field.

Finally, the BAOPc is committed to a broader societal mission: improving the quality of life of children in Belgium through cardiovascular prevention, accurate information provision, and public service. Through meetings, continuing education, publications, and outreach activities, the association aims to share expertise and raise awareness both within the medical community and beyond.

In summary, the BAOPc serves as a national platform that brings together quality, education, research, and collaboration in pediatric cardiology, with the ultimate goal of achieving optimal cardiovascular health for all children in Belgium.

Working groups