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Pediatric Cardiologist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA pediatric cardiologist has the procedural and educational expertise to enable them to provide children with the high-quality care required when dealing with cardiovascular disease. They have the acquired diagnostic abilities and skill to provide inpatients as well as outpatients with consultative pediatric cardiology care.
A pediatric cardiologist not only deals with their patients but also the families by supporting and helping them deal with stressful choices and decisions.
Pediatric cardiologists specialize in treating all heart conditions and related diseases in children from birth all the way through adolescence. They provide medical care for children with acute or chronic heart problems such as heart failure or heart rhythm disturbances.
Along with reviewing a patient’s medical history, a pediatric cardiologist often orders x-rays, ECG and blood tests and then studies these results to help diagnose their patient. A pediatric cardiologist will work closely with cardiovascular surgeons if the patient requires surgery. They offer non-invasive cardiology services, preventative care information and expertise in echocardiography and fetal echocardiography.
A pediatric cardiologist not only detects but also treats heart disease and blood vessel disease in infants through teenagers. Through testing, they detect abnormalities, project treatments and refer their critical care patients to specialists such as a cardiac surgeon. They are familiar with standard practices, concepts and procedures within their field and use their judgment and experience to plan their goals and accomplish them.
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Career RequirementsBecoming a pediatric cardiologist is a lifelong learning experience and requires many years of education. Most medical schools require a Bachelor of Science degree or undergraduate study to apply, but check with the medical school for specific requirements. After completing four years of medical school there is another six years or more of residency specializing in pediatric cardiology.
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Job OutlookThe job outlook for a pediatric cardiologist looks extremely promising and expected job growth should continue expanding quickly through 2014. The growing population, new and advanced technology and diagnostic tests that detect problems, that they were either unable to before or could not diagnose as early, requires more pediatric cardiologist and other health care specialists.
In addition, many new job opening will result from baby boomers and other pediatric cardiologists retiring over the next ten years. As health care facilities, hospitals and research continues to grow, so will the need for more trained health care professionals. In low-income areas, rural areas and smaller cities, the opportunities for pediatric cardiologists remain particularly good, as many physicians prefer large metropolitan areas.
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Career TrackSome experienced pediatric cardiologists may choose to make career changes and go into such fields as heart research, rather than work directly with patients. Others may choose fields such as:
- Cardiovascular surgeons
- Educator or teaching
- Research for pharmaceutical companies
- Medical public relations
- Clinical practice
There are many options for advancement within the pediatric cardiology field.
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CompensationExperience, location and other factors affect the salary of a pediatric cardiologist. A new pediatric cardiologist just starting his or her practice can expect their earning to start at approximately $234,000 and continue to rise to approximately $348,000 or more as they gain experience.
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