How to Become a Cardiology Consultant
A cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in the care of the heart and heart-related diseases. Becoming a cardiologist involves years of rigorous education and training. The term consultant cardiologist is used in the British medical education system and those modelled after it to refer to a senior cardiologist in charge. This individual is usually either a Member or Fellow of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP or FRCP).
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Instructions
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Obtain an undergraduate degree. The first step in becoming any kind of doctor in the United States is to get an undergraduate degree. It is not necessary for your degree to be in science. Medical schools prefer well-rounded students as long as they have taken the required premed courses in physics, chemistry, biology and math.
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Apply for and get into medical school. Since the medical school application process is very competitive, it is advisable to apply to as many schools as possible. A good transcript, extracurricular involvement, good MCAT scores, research experience and your overall life story all play a part in deciding whether you are granted or denied admission.
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Graduate from a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). While in medical school, pay close attention to whether or not you like your internal medicine and cardiology rotations. This will come in handy when making residency choices.
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Complete your residency in internal medicine. Before becoming a cardiologist, you must complete a three-year residency training program in internal medicine, after which you become board certified as an internist by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Your residency program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
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Complete fellowship and sub-specialty training in cardiovascular disease. Cardiology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine. Your fellowship program must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). After fellowship training, you will be required to pass the necessary exams to become certified by the ABIM in cardiology.
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