Before honoring your appointment with a cardiologist in Singapore, it makes sense that you look into what they offer the healthcare realm. Well, a cardiologist is a specialist in internal medicine who specializes in diseases of the cardiovascular system. Their tasks include the examination and care of patients with heart diseases such as heart attack, cardiac arrythmias and heart failure.
A significant chunk of cardiologists in Singapore work in large hospitals, but you also have the chance to set up your own practice. Here is what it takes to become a cardiologist in Singapore and what everyday life in this career path looks like.
Before delving deeper into our discussion topic, it is worth mentioning that cardiology is not cardia surgery. A cardiologist examines and diagnoses cardiovascular health complications using various examination methods. If necessary, cardiologists in Singapore treat them in a minimally invasive way, for example by inserting stents via cardiac catheterization.
Cardiac surgeons, on the other hand, open the chest to perform heart operations, such as the insertion of artificial heart valves or bypasses. While cardiologists in Singapore focus on diagnostic procedures, medication, prevention, and if necessary, minor interventions using cardia surgeons are responsible for surgical interventions on the heart.
As a cardiologist in Singapore, you will deal with a wide variety of heart diseases on a daily basis. Your tasks include both the care of patients with acute symptoms and the long-term monitoring of people with chronic heart disease.
Most cardiologists in Singapore handle heart failure, also known as cardiac insufficiency. This is when the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body. Symptoms of heart failure include shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention in the legs. The disease is treated with medication, lifestyle changes, and in certain cases, surgery. The exact treatment depends heavily on the case, since this can vary immensely in heart failure.
So, what does a cardiologist do after he has finished his special training? Well, there is no generalized answer to this question. Most cardiologists in Singapore decide in favor of a career in a large clinic.
However, you can also choose to open your own practice or work in a group practice. You will most likely not be unemployed, as cardiologists in Singapore are desperately sought after throughout the country. So, why not choose to follow this career path and help save lives?
