How can you become a heart doctor?
1. Earn a bachelor's degree:
Prerequisites:
- Biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics
Recommended:
- Calculus, statistics, humanities
2. Take the MCATs:
Important Date:
- Register months in advance
- Typically offered January-September
3. Attend medical school:
Curriculum:
- First two years: classroom lectures, labs, research
- Second two years: clinical rotations in various medical specialties
- Earn an M.D. degree
4. Complete a residency in internal medicine:
Length:
- 3 years
5. Complete a fellowship in cardiology:
Length:
- 3 years
- Optional for specializing in specific cardiology subspecialties
- Interventional cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Licensure and Certification
1. Obtain a medical license:
- Each state has its own licensing requirements
2. Become board-certified in internal medicine:
- American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
3. Become board-certified in cardiology:
- American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
Other Skills and Qualities
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Stress management
- Critical thinking
- Research
- Manual dexterity
- Interpersonal skills
- Compassion
- Emotional stability
- Adaptability