Cardiologist

Cardiologists are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of conditions of the cardiovascular system, including the heart and the body’s blood vessels.

Cardiologists work with adult patients. Children patients are typically categorised under pediatric cardiology, which is a separate specialty.

Cardiologists focus on improving patients’ survival rates and provide a variety of invasive and non-invasive treatments. That said, you must be able to think well and act fast in certain urgent cases such as heart attack because every second (literally) counts in rescuing the patients! On a lighter note, cardiologists also play a role in rehabilitating those who have recently undergone heart trauma or any other cardiovascular-related complications. They also counsel patients on diet and hygiene as part of preventive health care.

Cardiologists work mostly in big hospitals. Working hours can be very long, especially in the busier practices. Due to the sometimes unpredictable nature of cardiovascular conditions, many spend a significant amount of time on call. So be prepared to be awakened at irregular times to evaluate and treat a patient.

It can be a very demanding career, especially when dealing with urgent conditions. But it can also be very rewarding, because there is no other satisfaction that can compare to the one saving lives!