Cardiology

Specialist

With the specialist training in cardiology (derived from the Greek kardiā = heart), doctors specialize in the study of the heart and the blood vessels near the heart. In this subspecialty of internal medicine, they thus obtain the title of specialist in internal medicine and cardiology. Cardiology deals with both the function of the heart and the (early) detection, diagnosis, treatment and therapy of heart diseases. Typical clinical pictures in cardiology are, for example, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks or hypertension. The fact that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Germany illustrates the importance of the work of cardiologists.

Career

Cardiologists usually work in specialized clinics, mostly cardiac surgery. Here they usually specialize in a particular field, for example the implantation and regular monitoring of pacemakers or similar. Cardiologists are less often employed in industry. However, there are also opportunities for professional activity here, for example in the form of involvement in the development of pacemakers, spare parts or similar medical devices.

Duration

The specialist training in cardiology is 72 months in total, which corresponds to a period of 6 years. The 72-month training period in internal medicine and cardiology must be completed with a person authorized to carry out training at a training institute in accordance with § 5 Paragraph 1 Sentence 1 of the Model Training Regulation, of which the following elements must be completed: 36 months in internal medicine and cardiology (24 months in-patient) 24 months in at least two other specialist skills in the field 6 months in the emergency department 6 months in intensive care medicine After passing the examination.

Future

There are three types of practice for cardiologists: Individual practice, group practice and joint practice. An individual practice is financially and organizationally independent, has the ability to freely plan consultation hours and holidays and freely choose the main practice areas and specializations. The advantage of a joint practice (so-called Berufsausübungsgemeinschaft, abbreviated to BAG) is that you can set up a practice with colleagues and share the administrative costs with doctors of the same or different specialties. In addition to the patient base, all operating costs, such as rent for premises and employee salaries, can also be shared. A joint practice, on the other hand, allows you to save on resource costs, but still offers independent work in terms of economic and medical view. Depending on the personal situation, a decision should be made that corresponds to the individual plans regarding the career in or with a branch.

Subdivision

After the specialization exam, there are some possibilities for specialization in different areas of cardiology. The following options are conceivable: Special rhythmology (excitation and pumping function of the heart). Interventional cardiology (interventions) Interventional therapy of arterial vascular diseases Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (imaging of the cardiovascular system). Heart failure (heart failure) Sports cardiology Congenital heart defects in adults.

Salary

Cardiologists are doctors who deal with cardiovascular diseases. They treat high blood pressure, heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias. A career as a practicing physician or in a clinic is possible for trained specialists. Cardiology is a branch of internal medicine. This profession is also gaining importance due to the demographic aging of the population. On average, heart specialists can expect 8,000 euros gross per month. Cardiologists usually start as assistant physicians in a clinic or hospital. Their annual salary is between 54,000 and 71,000 euros gross, according to the collective agreement. For specialists, 80,000 euros is realistic, and senior doctors are already approaching 100,000 euro. As a primary physician, you can earn more than 120,000 euros. According to the Federal Statistical Office, private cardiologists with their own practice can expect a net income of 321,000 euros per year - 8% more than the average for all outpatient practices.