Cardiology

Cardiology deals with diseases of the heart and circulatory system. Pathological processes in the vascular tree can arise as a consequence of dysfunction in other systems. The pathological processes involved, the physical impact of these conditions, and their psychosocial effects must be thoroughly understood. Cardiology sits on the cusp between medicine and surgery. There are a lot of practical aspects to the specialty, so cardiologists require good hand-eye coordination as well as good decision making skills.

Cardiology has a rich and rapidly evolving evidence base. Developments in the specialty have led to sub-specialisation is areas such as cardiac ultrasound, electrophysiology, adult congenital heart disease, or preventive cardiology. Your interest in sub-specialty topics will be facilitated during training.

Requirements

• You must have completed Basic Specialist Training in the relevant specialty (or an equivalent programme) by the start date for HST. Please note that not all BST programmes offer consideration of equivalence.

• You must have achieved a relevant postgraduate qualification such as MRCPI in General Medicine, General Paediatrics or Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Please note: we have reverted to the previous regulations regarding the examination which were in place before COVID-19. That is, all HST candidates must have successfully passed their MRCPI Clinical Examination relevant to their speciality before their HST interview date. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

• You must be currently or previously registered on one of the divisions of the Irish Medical Council, or provide proof of eligibility for registration.

• You must have proof of competency in the English language in line with HSE specifications.

• You must have demonstrated an aptitude for, and an interest in, that specialty.