Royal College of Physicians recruitment to core medical training 2011

Cardiovascular medicine

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Cardiovascular medicine (formerly 'cardiology') is one of the most popular and varied medical specialities, comprising a wide range of sub-specialities including electrophysiology, device therapy, interventional cardiology, imaging and specialist heart failure management.

Cardiological problems account for a large proportion of the medical workload, and by delivering evidence-based care cardiologists can make a real difference to patients.

Cardiovascular medicine - trainee characteristics

Cardiovascular medicine will particularly suit trainees who are:

  • motivated
  • hard-working
  • able to develop procedural skills
  • keen to engage in clinical research.

Summary of the specialty

Within cardiovascular medicine, physicians can develop a wide range of careers encompassing cardiovascular research, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology & device implantation, specialised heart failure management, advanced cardiac imaging and several smaller sub-specialities.

Sub-specialties/combined training

Working in some sub-specialities involves performing procedures with a high intensity on-call while others are more out-patient based with minimal on-call commitments.

In all these areas the pace of change and development is very rapid, providing a stimulating working life. Cardiologists may choose to combine their training with general internal medicine (GIM) leading to a dual CCT in cardiovascular medicine & GIM; or to accredit in cardiovascular medicine alone.

Widespread requirement

Cardiological input is required in every hospital and consultant appointments are made in both district general hospitals and tertiary centres; sometimes appointments will be made with sessions at both district general hospitals and the local tertiary centres. Currently most electrophysiology and advanced cardiac imaging posts are within tertiary centres.

Competitiveness

Cardiovascular medicine remains a very competitive speciality, and many trainees will chose a period of academic research leading to an MD/PhD during their training; this is highly encouraged. Potential cardiologists will need to demonstrate excellence in their career to date, and to show that they are committed to the speciality.

The needs of patients with cardiovascular disease continue to grow and cardiologists can do more and more to help them. Cardiovascular medicine therefore remains a growing speciality.

Applying to ST3 cardiovascular medicine

Recruitment to ST3 cardiovascular medicine posts in 2012 will be processed via the single cascadable application (SCA) model. Applicants need only complete and submit one single application form, stating (up to) four preferences of deanery/UoA at which they would wish to be considered.

Following the closing of the application window, under the SCA model applications will be allocated to deaneries/UoAs based upon the candidates' stated preferences, the scores awarded to application forms, and the available interview capacity at deaneries/UoAs.

For more information on applying to cardiovascular medicine, please visit the recruitment process section of this website.

Further information


Copyright Royal College of Physicians of London 2012