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Career as Cardiologist

Cardiologists are the physicians who have gained specialization in the diagnosis and the treatment of the cardiovascular system. However, physicians need to get specialized training to become a certified cardiologist. The Cardiologist specialists are also responsible for the diagnosis of the functions of various other internal organs related to the cardiovascular system of individuals like the functions of the blood vessels. Individuals who aspire to become Cardiologists need to get their license of general physician and go through a long-term training process to achieve the license to perform the job responsibilities of Cardiologists. Cardiologists are responsible for the diagnosis of cardiovascular system-related issues and treating those issues through medication or surgery. However, both for medicines and surgery, the physicians need to obtain a certificate that can be achieved only after completing the entire training process.

Job Profile

Career as Cardiologist

Cardiologists are responsible for the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease of the patients. After the detection of cardiovascular disease by general physicians, the Cardiologists are involved in the treatment process. Cardiology experts need to collaborate with other physicians into the health care organization to diagnose the root cause of the problem and cure the problem through medication or surgery. Cardiology experts have 8 years of training which makes them superior to the general physicians. However, the career growth of the Cardiologists depends upon their professional performance and success rate. 

The average salary of a Cardiologist starts from 10 lakh yearly, and it can go up to 30 lakh. However, most Cardiologists are working at multiple health care institutions that make their profession extremely flexible. Senior doctors can get the salary up to 80 lakh rupees annually.

 

Future Growth Prospect and How to go there faster

The professional growth of Cardiologists depends upon the success rate and their professional experience. With the increment in the professional experience, the growth of the Cardiologist will increase at a faster pace. However, in an organizational environment, the growth of the Cardiologists takes place at a quicker rate. To achieve growth at a faster rate, Cardiologists need to sharpen their professional skills by making themselves aware of the global treatment procedure. Consistent education will keep the professionals aware of the evolution of medical science, and the latest innovations that have been introduced by global medical bodies.

Pros and Cons of being a Cardiologist

Pros

  • The optimum level of flexibility and the scope of working at multiple organizations at one time.

  • Very high demand but a nominal number of certified cardiology experts.

  • Exposure to the global medical treatment facility and the opportunity obtain become familiar with the global treatment procedure.

Cons

  • Lack of infrastructure in India.

  • Huge workload and challenging work environment.

  • Very high risk involved, as wrong treatment, can cause death to the patient.

How do I get there?

Candidates who are aspiring to become a Cardiologist need to pass the necessary medical entrance exam at the very beginning. To appear for the entrance test to become a general physician, the students must have selected biology in their 12th standard, and other subjects include mathematics, physics, and chemistry as well. After passing the medical entrance test, the students need to get their license as a general physician. To get the license, the students need to go through a 5-year long training program, and one year of the fellowship program. After getting the license of general physician practice, interested candidates need to appear for the screening test to become a Cardiologist. After the selection process, the candidates need to complete another 3 years of the training program and one year of the fellowship program to get the license to practice as a Cardiologist expert.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the entire training process may vary depending upon the institute. At AIIMS students can pursue their MBBS degree, which will cost them 31.10 lakh for the 5-year course. However, at AIIMS the students need to spend 10 lakh rupees to complete their specialization process in cardiology. However, the students can also pursue their training program in state government authorized medical colleges by spending 6 lakh rupees. However, another important perspective needs to be considered in this context, and that is the course fee of the cardiology training program may vary from one university to another depending upon the state government.

What are the Top Colleges where one should be studying to become a Cardiologist?

In India, AIIMS is considered as the most prestigious university for medical students. However, different state universities have also announced their medical education program. PGIMER has also ranked in the top 25 medical colleges in India. Christian Medical College in Vellore has also secured its rank in the top 10 medical colleges in India. However, some other eminent medical colleges in India are King George’s Medical University, JIPMER, and BHU. These colleges are among the top 10 medical colleges in India that are being governed by state education governing bodies.

Books and Study Material

Cardiology is the most versatile part of medical science that is constantly evolving. To deliver good quality treatment, professionals need to study journals and medical science publications regularly. However, Clinical Cardiology by Rau Ramesh is considered as the most important book for all the cardiology experts.

 

However, the students also need to study the book names as Clinical Cardiology by Bijay Raghava Rao in order to get a clear idea about the basic principles of cardiology. Furthermore, another important aspect needs to be discussed regarding the training process of the Cardiologists and that is the importance of practical experience. More practical experience helps the students to become aware of the global medical scenario and to provide better treatment to the patients.

What if the career doesn’t work for me? What are the other options for the person with the same credentials?

Challenging work environments, and increasing workload has demotivated many Cardiologists. Often it has been seen that Cardiologists suffer from chronic depression and various nervous system related issues due to the demanding and challenging professional experience. If this profession doesn’t suit your requirements, then you can easily opt for the role of a general physician or the role of a medical officer. 

 

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Content on this page is by Career Expert
Mrs. Kum Kum Tandon
MA (Psychology), M.Ed, Diploma in Educational Psychology, Vocational Guidance & Counseling (NCERT, Delhi) | View Complete Profile
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