Intervention Cardiology

Intervention Cardiology Responsibilities: Diagnosing and treating patients with conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, or infections by inserting catheters into blood vessels to access the heart, lungs, or other organs Conducting research to develop new interventional radiology techniques for treating disease Performing diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound imaging, bone density scans, and others Preparing patients for procedures using sedatives and anesthetics as needed Interpreting test results and providing diagnosis and treatment options to patients and other healthcare professionals Diagnosing and treating patients with cancer using radiation therapy techniques such as brachytherapy (inserting radioactive seeds into tumors), stereotactic radiosurgery (targeting small areas with high doses of radiation), and radiation therapy (delivered over time in small doses) Performing ultrasound guided biopsies in which a needle is inserted into the body and used to obtain tissue samples for analysis Performing interventional procedures such as angiograms (providing images of blood vessels to diagnose problems), angioplasty (using stents to repair blood vessels that have been narrowed by plaque buildup), stent placements Requirements: An associate's or bachelor's degree in radiology. A license to practice radiography. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathy, and compassion. Good mathematical abilities and technical skills. Good organizational, time management, and analytical abilities, and attention to detail. The ability to lift heavy weights without assistance Education and Training: Interventional cardiologists must first earn a bachelor's degree in pre-medicine, biology or another closely related field. They then complete a four-year medical school program.
Interventional cardiologists must be licensed to practice in their state or district.