Cardiology Jobs
Cardiologists are doctors who specialise in the practice of cardiology and the diagnosis, prevention, management and treatment of cardiovascular disorders, which includes genetic defects and congenital heart disease, complications from heart attacks, and pulmonary, artery and vein disorders. Cardiologists lead teams of doctors, coronary care nurses, electrophysiologists and paramedical staff and coordinate diagnostic and interventional cardiology services. They conduct electrophysiology studies such as echocardiograms, physical examinations, and imaging studies. They provide acute coronary intervention, cardiac pacing, stenting, electrophysiology and other procedures. They make management plans for chronic conditions and refer patients to cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons. Cardiologists try to prevent further disease by helping patients return to active and healthy lives. They provide education and connection to other health and community services. Cardiologists provide clinical leadership, train other doctors and staff, and participate in research and professional development activities. They consult with physicians in other medical specialties or primary care. They work in emergency, acute and outpatient settings in hospitals, as well as in private clinics and tertiary settings. Cardiologists have undertaken extensive JRCPTB specialty training in Cardiology, and have attained specialty registration with the GMC. They sometimes specialise in Cardiology and Internal Medicine, or subspecialise in an area of cardiology such as coronary intervention, cardiac imaging, rhythm management, adult congenital heart disease or heart failure management.
Registrars (Cardiology) are undertaking specialty training posts at ST3 or IMY3 level or above, or non-training posts which require equivalent experience (3+ post foundation years). Similar titles include Senior Clinical Fellow, Trust Grade ST3, or Specialty Trainee/Registrar. Cardiology Registrars work in acute and outpatient settings in hospitals and private clinics, including in the CCU (Coronary Care Unit) and CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit). They work alongside the cardiologist and senior medical staff, helping to diagnose and treat heart disease, and complications from heart attacks and pulmonary, artery and vein disorders. They have increased responsibility in providing medical care, and supporting and training junior doctors and staff. Registrars continue to develop advanced clinical practice, professionalism and autonomy. Sometimes they will be the most senior doctor on duty, but they continue to receive guidance, training, and support from senior staff. Registrars who want to pursue a career in Cardiology and who have completed foundation and core training (IM stage 1, or 4 years of ACCS), can apply to undertake JRCPTB specialty training in Cardiology, a five-year programme which leads to a CCT and eligibility for the GMC specialty register. They can also pursue a joint CCT in Cardiology and Internal Medicine, or pursue a cardiology subspecialty.
Nurses (Cardiac/coronary care) work in acute cardiac care settings, including Emergency, ICU, CCU, and CICU, as well as in elective surgery and private surgeries. They provide nursing care to patients undergoing cardiac examinations, angiography, interventional cardiology procedures, emergency cardiology procedures and surgery. They support the Cardiologist in the operating theatre and catheter lab, and provide peri-operative nursing care, including infection control and scrub and scout duties. They monitor and care for patients after their procedure and during recovery and fill out important documentation. They may be responsible for managing junior nurses. To work in this field, Nurses need current NMC registration and some employers request relevant clinical experience.
Clinical Scientists who work in the Cardiac Sciences, a branch of the physiological sciences, specialise in using equipment and technology, and performing tests or procedures, which measure and evaluate the heart and the cardiovascular system. They work in Cardiology departments in hospitals, and in private clinics, helping to provide cardiology services, including diagnostic and interventional cardiology services. They undertake and interpret ECGs, Cardiac Ambulatory Monitoring and Transtelephonic ECG Monitoring. They undertake electrocardiography ultrasound studies, tilt testing, and assist with implantation, programming and analysis of pacemakers and ICDs. They undertake other respiratory and sleep science studies and therapies. They work within multidisciplinary teams and maybe responsible for managing teams of assistants. They may be responsible for quality assurance, maintenance and testing of equipment, innovation and improvement, education and training, and direct patient care. Clinical scientists have completed an applied science or engineering degree at honours or master’s level, relevant to the Cardiac Sciences, such as degrees in physiology, pure or applied physics, engineering, biology or human biology. They can undertake the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP), AHCS awards, and can register with the AHCS, HCPC, and/or other relevant specialty registers.
Cardiographers / Healthcare Science Assistants /Assistant technical Officers and similar roles, assist with routine tests for patients such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), exercise stress tests and blood pressure measurement. They support patients, provide advice and information, and fill out documentation. They set up, maintain and clean equipment and re-stock supplies. Some roles may assist with other diagnostic or interventional cardiology procedures. These roles don’t have specific entry requirements, often open to those with an interest in the field, work experience and commitment to training. These are support roles within the cardiology department or service.