Attending Introduction
Rotation Description
Your cardiology clinical rotation with FMG Portal will provide you with specialized training in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, your performance during this rotation will lead to obtaining a US LOR, which is essential for your upcoming residency program applications.
Clinical Skills:
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History and Physical Examination: Students learn to take detailed cardiovascular histories and perform focused cardiac physical exams, including techniques such as auscultation, palpation of pulses, and blood pressure measurement.
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Diagnostic Procedures: Gaining proficiency in interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs), echocardiograms, and other non-invasive cardiac tests.
Diagnostic Workup:
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Cardiac Imaging: Understanding the indications for and basics of interpreting various cardiac imaging modalities, including echocardiography, stress tests, cardiac MRI, and CT angiography.
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Lab Tests: Learning about and interpreting cardiac biomarkers (e.g., troponins, BNP) and other relevant laboratory tests.
Management of Cardiac Conditions:
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Acute and Chronic Conditions: Managing a range of cardiac conditions, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart defects.
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Treatment Strategies: Understanding pharmacological treatments (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, anticoagulants) and non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., lifestyle modifications, cardiac rehabilitation).
Procedural Skills:
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Interventional Cardiology: Exposure to procedures such as cardiac catheterization, angioplasty, and stent placement. While students will not perform these procedures, they observe and learn the indications and basics.
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Non-Invasive Procedures: Participation in or observation of procedures such as stress testing and Holter monitoring.
Typical Activities/Procedures
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG):Recording the electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias, myocardial infarctions, and other cardiac conditions.
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Echocardiography:Using ultrasound to create images of the heart to assess structure and function.
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Stress Testing:Evaluating the heart’s response to physical stress, often using a treadmill or pharmacological agents.
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Cardiac Catheterization:Inserting a catheter into the heart to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions. This includes coronary angiography.
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Holter Monitoring:Continuous ECG monitoring over 24-48 hours to detect intermittent arrhythmias.
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Event Recorder Monitoring:Similar to a Holter monitor but used for longer periods to detect less frequent arrhythmias.
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Central Line Placement:Inserting a catheter into a large vein for medication administration or hemodynamic monitoring.
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Pulmonary Artery Catheterization (Swan-Ganz Catheter):Measuring pressures in the heart and lungs to assess cardiac function and fluid status.
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Pericardiocentesis:Removing fluid from the pericardial sac surrounding the heart.
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Cardioversion:Using electrical shocks or medications to restore normal heart rhythm.
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Intravenous (IV) Medication Administration:Administering medications directly into the bloodstream.
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Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Sampling:Drawing blood from an artery to assess oxygenation and acid-base status.
Letter of Recommendation
LORs are on the official clinic letterhead. The attending will also mention that your rotation was partially in both of her affiliated hospitals.
Location & Schedule
*Exact address provided once signed up.
*Schedules change often and we recommend speaking with the office manager to have the most updated daily scheduling.
