Cardiologist
Summary of profession
Cardiologists help victims of heart disease return to a full and useful life and counsel patients about the risks and prevention of heart disease. Most importantly, cardiologists are involved in the treatment of heart attacks, heart failure, and serious heart rhythm disturbances. Their skills and training are required whenever decisions are made about procedures such as cardiac catheterization, balloon angioplasty or heart surgery.
Working hours, patterns and environments
Cardiologists work long hours including nights and weekends. They work as part of an out-of-hours Rota system. They spend time in consulting rooms, wards,
operating theatres and special units like Accident and Emergency.
Education and skills
To become a cardiologist, you must first become a qualified medical practitioner and then specialize in cardiology. On completion of the postgraduate medical degree, you must work in the public hospital system for two years (internship and residency).
Job growth and opportunities
A cardiologist can move on to become the chief cardiologist in the unit with years of experience under their belts. Or even choose to become trainers for young aspiring cardiologists.