Cardiologist (Cardioloog)
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A cardiologist is a medical specialist in the field of cardiology, which relates to detecting, diagnosing and treating disease of the heart. Within cardiology there are several subfields, such as general cardiology, interventional cardiology, imaging, rhythm cardiology, genetic cardiology, sports cardiology, women's cardiology and pediatric cardiology. In which subfield a cardiologist specializes can differ per cardiologist, but almost all cardiologists are also general cardiologists. Of all the specializations as a cardiologist, the specialization pediatric cardiologist is the least common. As a cardiologist, you will be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Patients may have to deal with a cardiologist if they experience problems such as arrhythmias, heart muscle abnormalities, calcification or if there is fattening of the veins. In short, the work of a cardiologist can best be described as diagnosing almost all common heart diseases and treating heart disease as far as possible. The work of a cardiologist can be regarded as extremely important work because a healthy and well-functioning heart is important for everyone. How exactly a cardiologist will diagnose patients can vary from patient to patient because the cardiologist can apply different research methods. Think, for example, of measuring blood pressure or making a heart film, depending on the types of complaints. In general, a cardiologist has to deal with patients from the age of sixteen. As a cardiologist, in many cases you have to deal with patients who have been referred by a general practitioner. A cardiologist generally works a lot with internists and radiologists. Obviously, a cardiologist also has to deal with acute heart problems where direct action is necessary.
Thus, a cardiologist is a medical specialist and will not perform operations. A cardiologist can perform examinations and procedures, such as a cardiac catheterization. Another name for a cardiac catheterization is also called coronary angiography. Cardiac catheterization is an examination to detect narrowings in the coronary arteries of the heart. Coronary angiography or cardiac catheterization is a collective name of various types of examinations and procedures in which catheters are used. A catheter is a medical device that consists of a very thin tube that can be brought through the skin and through the bloodstream to the coronary arteries. With a cardiac catheterization, the coronary arteries are imaged to see if there are narrowings or closures. It is also checked whether the heart valves are working properly and how the pumping function of the heart is. In addition, film recordings are made using X-rays and contrast fluid. This fluid ensures that the coronary arteries are visible on the film. Cardiac catheterization also involves other treatments, such as dotting patients. Dotting is an effective way to remedy constrictions, as no major surgeries are required. Dotting is performed by a cardiologist by means of stents. A stent is a type of support stocking that can be unfolded in the right place by the cardiologist to remedy constrictions.
HEART SURGERY
A cardiologist is an internist who specializes in cardiology. When it comes to operations, these are performed by a specialized surgeon called thoracic surgeon. A thoracic surgeon is again specialized in thoracic surgery, which relates to the thoracic organs such as the heart, lungs and intrathoracic blood vessels. Thorax is another name for the chest or rib cage of humans. Despite the fact that the cardiologist does not perform operations himself, he is of course closely connected to the patient.
VARIOUS TASKS OF A CARDIOLOGIST ARE:
- Performing cardiovascular examinations in patients.
- Drawing up treatment plans and medication plans.
- Performing minor procedures (dotting and cardiac catheterization).
- Providing information to heart patients.
- Supporting the cardiothoracic surgeon (thoracic surgeon).
- Consulting with other specialists.
WHAT DOES A CARDIOLOGIST DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A CARDIOLOGIST
Training as a cardiologist is only possible if you already have the university study of medicine. After studying medicine, the basic doctor will have to opt for the cardiology course, which can only be followed internally. The cardiology study will take another six years in total. The total training period to become a cardiologist will therefore be at least twelve years. The study cardiology mainly consists of gaining practical experience. This does not alter the fact that attention is also paid to theory lessons. For more information, see also the Dutch Society for Cardiology NVVC.
COMPANIES WHERE A CARDIOLOGIST CAN WORK
As a cardiologist, you work in a general hospital, or you work for a University Medical Center. As a cardiologist, you can work in various departments such as the emergency room, outpatient clinic, operating room or in the cardiology department itself.
COMPETENCES CARDIOLOGIST
Most hospitals that train cardiologists work with fixed competency profiles, in which a lot of attention is paid to the various competencies. The most important competence of a cardiologist is medical practice. Communication is also an important competence because you have to deal with many different patients and colleagues. Think, for example, of heart failure nurses, radiologists, internists and rehabilitation doctors. Generally important words are research skills, decisiveness, knowledge, stress resistance, leadership, perseverance, analytical, planning, consultation, collaboration, integrity and sociability.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS A CARDIOLOGIST
The labour market perspective as a cardiologist is good. This is also because it is a long study that will take about twelve years to complete. In addition, the field of cardiology is constantly evolving, which means that cardiologists can perform more and more different types of examinations and treatments. The career opportunities as a cardiologist must be seen in conducting scientific research or a managerial position. For example, scientific research may involve molecular research in the field of heart problems. Obtaining a PhD can also be regarded as growing within your career.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY CARDIOLOGIST
As a cardiologist working as an employee, you will in many cases fall under the collective labour agreement for hospitals or the collective labour agreement for medical specialists, in which the employment conditions are regulated. The salary as an employed cardiologist will typically be between 6500 and 11000 gross per month, depending on age, years of service and further responsibilities. If a cardiologist works as an independent entrepreneur, for example in a partnership, the salary can be many times higher. During the training period, the salary as a cardiologist will be significantly lower.
The content on this page has been automatically translated from the Dutch language. For this reason, texts and videos on this page may contain small errors.
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