Tag Archives: training

Introduction This four-part editorial series has been designed to navigate UK cardiology trainees and cardiovascular professionals through the pivotal stages of early career research. Beginning with an overview of how research can enhance a cardiologist’s career trajectory in Part 1,1 and moving through the identification of diverse research opportunities in Part 2,2 we have aimed to provide a comprehensive guide for those embarking on or considering a research path. Part 3 took a practical turn, shedding light on the roles of funders, sponsors, and regulatory bodies, while clarifying the often-complex terminology associated with research

Introduction This four-part editorial series aims to guide UK cardiology trainees and cardiovascular professionals through the key stages of early career research. Part 1 examined the role a period of research may play in a cardiologist’s career development,1 and part 2 explored how to identify the different research opportunities available.2 In this next part, we focus on the practical aspects of beginning your research journey; it explores the role of funders, sponsors, and regulatory bodies, as well as attempting to demystify the terminology associated with research logistics (online glossary). Glossary. Common terms in the research ap

Introduction This editorial series aims to guide cardiology trainees and cardiovascular professionals through the intricate landscape of research. Our objective is to demystify the process, from understanding the role of research in cardiology training, to navigating the practicalities of securing the right research opportunities. In this continuation, we delve deeper into the latter. The second part of this editorial series focuses on finding the right research opportunities in cardiology. Once the commitment to research is made, securing an appropriate post becomes a multi-faceted challenge, often complicated by the stipulations of local d

Introduction High blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for reduced healthy life-expectancy and unhealthy ageing. While it is fundamentally treatable, it is currently not optimally managed. To meet national public health targets, patients must play an active role in their decisions about how best to manage their own BP through lifestyle change and drug treatment.1,2 This paper summarises ‘Share The Pressure’ (STP), a project that developed and piloted a scalable model for engaging patients on the benefits of risk factor control for healthy ageing; training healthcare professionals (HCPs) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk communica

Introduction For those in cardiology training, finding research is often a daunting and multi-faceted process. The objective of this four-part series is to explore research in cardiology and will aim to serve as a reference point from finding the research, to applying for funding, straight through to the finish line (table 1). Although these editorials are targeted mainly at cardiology registrars and have a UK focus, they may be of interest to any medical or allied-health professionals looking to undertake research in the field of cardiology. The first part of this series aims to explore the role of research as part of cardiology training in

What is the future of cardiovascular health? NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis opened the conference by outlining the growing need to provide high quality cardiovascular care. With a quarter of deaths in England attributable to cardiovascular disease and a wider cost to the economy of £15.8 billion per year,1 there is an urgent need for innovative care pathways and new technologies. He showcased virtual wards as one example of innovation, with over 100,000 patients having been managed remotely in 2022.2 In Liverpool, a Telehealth team has successfully utilised a medical monitoring app to manage patients at home, leading to a 1

Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has produced a dramatic shift in how we practise medicine, with a large reduction in specialty workload and redistribution of services to provide care for COVID-19 patients. This has necessitated changes in working patterns, clinical commitments and training for junior grades. Those in cardiology training programmes in the UK have experienced a significant loss in training opportunities, due to the loss of specialist outpatient clinics and reduction in procedural work (table 1). Trainees have traded percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for central lines and mechanical ventilat

Introduction The under representation of women in cardiology training is now a recognised shortfall that also extends into the consultant workforce. There are multiple reports of this phenomenon worldwide, including Europe,1 US,2,3 Canada,4 and Australia.5 In the UK, women make up 28% of trainees and 13% of the consultant tier.6 This is a stark difference to other medical specialties in the UK.7 In order to improve the recruitment of women into cardiology, it is important to first understand why alternative specialties are more successful at attracting a greater proportion of female trainees. Surveys to date have focused on the opinions of w

Drug therapy From treating dropsy… Treating congestion is an essential role of the heart failure specialist with diuretic therapy being the cornerstone of treatment. There is an evidence vacuum, however, in how best to relieve congestion. For example, which agents to use, at what doses and with what escalation strategy? Dr Peter Cowburn (Southampton General Hospital) delivered an exemplary lecture highlighting the importance of relieving congestion, the current evidence base and practical advice from his personal experience on how best to achieve the goal of euvolaemia. Relieving congestion matters and, when achieved, is associated with lo

Opportunity for global health Over 40% of UK medical students gain experience in a developing country during their elective rotation, broadening perspective on disease and healthcare, as well as personal development by experiencing different cultures.3 Experience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) during postgraduate training offers similar benefits, but the number of trainees who embark on such rotations is comparatively small and restricted to particular specialties in the UK. According to the 2012 British Junior Cardiologists Association trainee survey, 66% of trainees had completed or planned to undertake a clinical fellowship, w