How to Become an Interventionist Cardiologist

Interventional cardiologists examine the heart and treat abnormalities.

Interventional cardiologists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of heart disease through the use of various specialized methods of intervention. Interventional cardiology is part of the discipline of internal medicine. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available for physicians and surgeons should grow by about 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. Medical school and specialized training is needed to become an interventional cardiologist.

Instructions

1. 

   A bachelor's degree in a science field can provide preparation for medical school.

   Obtain a bachelor's degree in a field of science or in pre-medical studies. Although it is possible to get into medical school with a bachelor's degree in just about any field, most medical schools prefer applicants who have begun preparing for medical school early. Interventional cardiologists specialize in heart medicine, so a degree in biology or a related field can provide the necessary undergraduate background.

2. 

   Medical students complete coursework during the first two years of studies.

   Complete medical school and obtain the doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree. The medical doctor degree will take about four years to complete. Most medical school programs require the medical student to complete general medical and advanced science courses during the first two years of study. These are then followed by two years of clinical rotations in which the medical student obtains hands-on training by shadowing other experienced physicians.

3. 

   Doctors must be licensed to practice medicine.

   Obtain a license to practice medicine in your state by applying through your state's medical board. Typically this is done just prior to the end of medical school so that the graduating medical student can begin his career as soon as he graduates without any layover in between. Licensing generally entails passing a state-sponsored licensing exam covering both medical practice and laws concerning the practice of medicine.

4. 

   Medical residents learn about medical practice through hands-on experience.

   Apply for and complete a three-year residency in cardiovascular disease. A residency is the required period of hands-on training following medical school in which the physician works under the guidance of another physician to gain experience. Some classroom and seminar work may be required as well. This generally includes a mixture of studies in both general internal medicine studies and further specialized study in cardiology. Following the completion of the residency, the physician should take the cardiovascular disease certification exam offered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

5. 

   Interventional cardiology residents learn about cardiology through a specialized residency.

   Complete a one-year fellowship in interventional cardiology. This is required of all cardiologists wanting to specialize in this field. The American Board of Internal Medicine mandates this as a prerequisite to board certification in the field. The resident must complete a minimum of 250 documented therapeutic interventional cardiac procedures during this period to qualify for board certification.

6. 

   An exam is required for board certification.

   Pass the board certification exam in interventional cardiology administered by the ABIM. Six major competencies must be demonstrated through the completion of the examination: procedural skill and patient care; systems-based practice; knowledge of medicine; professionalism; communication and interpersonal skills; and practice-based learning and improvement.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Phycians and Surgeons
• National Institute of Health: Interventional cardiology and general cardiology; E.E. van der Wall; 2008
• American College of Physicians: Interventional Cardiology
• Remedy Health Media: What Is a Cardiologist?
• American Board of Internal Medicine: Interventional Cardiology Policies
• American Heart Association: Interventional Cardiology Track