So you work in cardiology?
- Name: Dr Peter Scott
- Age: 28
- Trained: Queen’s University Belfast Medical School
- Current role: ST4 Cardiology, Ulster Hospital in Northern Ireland
- Career plans: Invasive Cardiology
What do you enjoy about your job?
The variety of the work, which ranges from treating acutely unwell cardiac patients, to patients with chronic heart failure who you see in the clinic. There are also new skills to learn, such as angiography, pacing and the new era of implantable defi brillators and AF ablation.
Why did you choose it?
Northern Ireland has always had one of the highest incidences of heart disease in the world, so there will always be a need for cardiologists as the demand will be high.
How do you cope with the late nights?
I get up early the morning of the first night. Then I try and do some exercise and, if possible, sleep well during the day before I start. If I can’t sleep, I watch a film to keep my mind off working in the evening. My advice for new doctors is to avoid the 10 cups of coffee strategy some people use. This often gives you an early boost, followed by major fatigue at 5am!
What has been the most difficult aspect of your career?
Cardiology is normally a very demanding specialty. Juggling life, work and extra-curricular activities is difficult. I compete in triathlons, so coping with the long hours and training can be quite testing.
What misperceptions do people have about cardiology?
That we never admit older patients to cardiology! We do, and often.
How will the introduction of the European Working Time Directive affect the training of new cardiologists?
The EWTD shouldn’t affect our training, as we should gain enough experience for procedures during the 48-hour week, if training is adequately structured and protected. The difficulty comes when we are asked to provide additional service provision. I think that will become a major obstacle in the future.
How has the training changed since you started? Has it become more sub-specialised?
The role of the general cardiologist is now becoming more and more obsolete. Cardiology is now extremely sub-specialised, as more procedures that were previously only performed in tertiary hospitals, are now being carried out in district general hospitals (DGHs). So DGHs now need these sub-specialised doctors.
Is future cardiology training going to be more evidence-based?
Cardiology has always had a strong evidence-based practice. Most management is based on national or European guidelines, and this is only going to become more important.
What has been the landmark of your career?
Passing the MRCP.
How do you maintain a life outside work?
I try and train most days, either cycling to work or swimming before I start in the morning. Fitting something else into your life is extremely important.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In a hospital in Northern Ireland, hopefully not still a sub-consultant grade.
Top tips to success
- Speak to the educational supervisor at your deanery and highlight that you have an interest in cardiology
- Speak to a friendly cardiology research registrar and get your name on a paper, abstract or audit
- Pass the MRCP.
Typical week
Monday
08:30 - 12:30 - Echo session
13:30 - 17:30 - Chest pain clinic/ward round
Tuesday
09:00 - 12:30 - Inpatient reviews
13:30 - 18:00 - Angiography session
Wednesday
09:00 - 12:30 - Ward round
13:30 - 17:30 - Outpatient clinic
Thursday
09:00 - 12:30 - Ward round
12:30 - 13:30 - Teaching
13:30 - 17:30 - Outpatient clinic
Friday
09:00 - 12:30 - Ward round
13:30 - 17:00 - Self-directed learning