Cardiologist

Cardiologists are physicians who have received additional training to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and the body's blood vessels. Before practicing as a cardiologist, physicians must graduate from medical school, complete a residency and become board-certified in internal medicine, and then complete a fellowship in cardiology. Cardiology residencies typically last three years, and fellowships are a minimum of three years, making at least six years of training beyond medical school. The roles and responsibilities of a cardiologist can vary, but certain generalities are possible. Cardiologists routinely receive referrals from other physicians who would like confirmation that a patient has a cardiovascular condition or who would like advice on how to best treat the patient. Cardiologists are also called for assistance in hospital settings when a patient has a heart attack, serious arrhythmia or heart failure. As they are seldom the first physicians to see a patient, cardiologists must quickly review the patient's medical history and ask questions regarding symptoms. According to the 2011 Physician Compensation Survey conducted by "Modern Healthcare" and reported by the American Medical Association, salaries for cardiologists vary, depending on whether they perform invasive procedures. Cardiologists who did not perform invasive procedures earned between $346,266 and $457,921 per year. Those who did perform invasive procedures had a salary range of $373,500 to $532,000. Aspiring cardiologists need to obtain their bachelor's degree and then enroll in a medical school program. After graduating from medical school, they complete several years of internal medicine and cardiology training

I would love to be a cardiologist because I would have the lovely honor of saving people.