Cardiologist

Cardiologist

Cardiology is a medical discipline focused on disorders of the heart, specifically pertaining to the human heart. This field encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology. Physicians specializing in this area are known as cardiologists.

It's important not to confuse cardiologists with cardiac surgeons, cardiothoracic, and cardiovascular surgeons, who perform open operative procedures on the heart and major blood vessels through sternotomy.

Becoming a cardiologist in Malaysia typically involves further education and training following a period of 4-5 years as House Officers (HO) and Medical Officers (MO). Candidates undergo specialized studies under the guidance of experienced cardiologists at university hospitals such as UM, UKM, USM, or pursue overseas options like MRCP in the UK, American Cardiology Fellowship, or its Australian equivalent. This specialization typically spans 3-4 years, during which the trainees are referred to as registrars or fellows.

Upon completion of the cardiology course and passing required examinations, graduates begin working in hospitals with the title of senior registrar (SR). This phase of training involves 5 years of combined House Officer and Medical Officer experience, followed by 4 years of specialization.

However, being a senior registrar does not equate to being a consultant. To attain the status of consultant, individuals must pass specific examinations to upgrade their qualifications. Senior registrars typically accumulate several years of experience before becoming eligible to take the consultant exams.