What is a cardiologist?
A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in cardiology, which is a medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Many of the physicians at Cardiovascular Medicine, PC have the following individual areas of expertise within the cardiology field:
Non-invasive Cardiologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease using non-invasive modalities including nuclear stress tests and echocardiography.
Invasive Cardiologists perform diagnostic catheterization. If an intervention (i.e. angioplasty) is required, this physician will ask a partnering Interventionalist to perform.
Interventional Cardiologists perform diagnostic catheterization and intervention including angioplasty and stent placement to blocked heart vessels.
Peripheral Interventionalists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of blood vessels in the legs, kidneys and neck. This may include angioplasty and stent placement in these vessels.
Cardiac Electrophysiologists is a cardiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm abnormalities. This may include the implantation of a permanent pacemaker or defibrillator.
All of the physicians at Cardiovascular Medicine, PC are cardiologists. Many of the physicians have developed expertise in one area of cardiology and have devoted their practice to that specific area.
Cardiologists' commitment to their profession is evidenced by their achievement of an extensive regimen of schooling. On average, cardiologists will spend 15-17 years as a "student," perfecting their skills before practicing their medicine. A cardiologist's education includes:
4 years of College (most commonly with a pre-med or science major)
4 years of Medical School
1 year Internship
2-3 years of Internal Medicine Residency
2-3 years of Specialty Fellowship (Electrophysiology, Coronary Intervention, Peripheral Intervention)
Cardiologists are board-certified in one or more of the following certifications, Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, Electrophysiology, Interventional and Nuclear Cardiology.
The cardiologists at Cardiovascular Medicine, PC have worked very hard to attain their education, status and ability to practice. This dedication shines through in the quality patient services provided by our team of cardiologists each and every day.
