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Paediatric cardiology

Paediatric cardiologists are doctors who diagnose and treat children with cardiac (heart) conditions. They work with patients antenatally (before birth), through childhood and into adulthood.

Training and qualifications required

Training usually starts with a five year degree in medicine MBBS, and then two years of foundation training. Following that, you’ll complete three years of core paediatric training (CPT1-3) or core medical training (CMT1-3), then five years of specialty training (ST4-8). This period of training will include your royal college exams. Length of training can vary according to your circumstances.

Expected working hours and salary range

Doctors may work up to 48 hours a week. The working hours may sometimes extend beyond the normal working day to include early mornings, evenings and weekends, on call work is highly likely. Pay scales (2017): NHS consultants earn between £76,761 and £103,490.

Desirable skills and values

For this role you will have an interest and enjoy working with young people and their families, whilst having a specific interest in cardiology. To do this you'll have excellent communication skills supported by your compassionate approach. You’ll need to have stamina, good hand-eye coordination, and have good manual dexterity. These practical skills will be supported by your problem-solving and decision-making skills which is critical for when you are working under pressure in difficult and demanding situations, whilst at the same time as paying attention to detail. Emotional resilience will also be important, as will having excellent leadership skills and being able to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Prospects

There are 110 consultants in paediatrics cardiology in England in 2016. Opportunities exist for research and teaching.