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.
