Studying to become a cardiologist

In France, to become cardiologist, you need to complete a long course of medical studies. This apprenticeship enables the student to acquire all the technical skills and human qualities essential to the practice of this profession. This is what we set out to achieve in our fiche métier cardiologue. Since it's not always easy to find one's way around the many options on this pathway, it was time for us to put together an article to help make things a little clearer.

What is a cardiologist?

A cardiologist is a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Whether working in a public hospital or a private practice, his role is to guide and support patients throughout the care process. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and the highest standards, he is able to handle a wide range of cases, from the most minor to life-threatening emergencies. It's this expertise that the long études de cardiologie value.

How to become a cardiologist

Études générales de médecine

Before entering higher education, the cardiologist-to-be must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:

• Le Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)

• Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Premiée Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major; é a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
• Students are evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
• Those who succeed can enter the health sector.
• Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor's field of study before, if they wish, trying their luck again.
• The PASS approach relieves the pressure associated with the former PACES single entrance exam, while diversifying the student's skills.

• La Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS)

• Introduced in 2020 in order to diversify the training offer in health studies, the L.AS is a program combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
• At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific examinations. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
• The L.AS enables students to follow a diversified pathway, promoting skills and reorientation.

Après le PASS ou la L.AS (see above), générales de médecine se décomposent en deux parts diplômantes: 

• Le Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : three-year curriculum (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) consisting of theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical internships in hospitals.
• Le Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM) : A direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study that includes specialized courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.

Éend-of-clerkship proofs 

During the final year of their second cycle, students must pass a battery of tests which, based on their results and rankings, will enable them to formulate vœux de spécialit; mais également de ville. Here's the list: 

• Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and count for 60% of the final grade. In order to pass, students must obtain a mark of 14/20 or higher in the theoretical knowledge required by all doctors, regardless of their specialty.
• Examens cliniques objectifs et structurés (ECOS): these are organized in May and count for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum mark must be 10/20.
• Academic progress grade: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final grade.

Specialization in cardiology

Once the études générales de médecine completed, the student who specializes in cardiology enters internship for five years. This course is divided between theoretical and practical training:

• Training théoric : interns follow théoric courses covering the various aspects of cardiology. They take part in seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
• Training practical : cardiology interns participate in the activities of various healthcare departments.

In addition, the cardiology intern must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain a doctorate. Upon completion of this specialization, the intern obtains the Diplôme d'Études Spécialis;es en Cardiologie (DES). 

Additional training

After obtaining the DES in cardiology and registering with the Ordre des médecins, a cardiologist can continue training to specialize further in specific areas of cardiology. Options include paediatric cardiology, cardiac lectrophysiology and interventional cardiology. These specializations enable us to deepen our specialized skills and gain access to even more rewarding professional opportunities, while offering high-quality care to specific populations. It also enables the cardiologist to stand out in the job market by promoting his or her know-how and expertise.

The skills required to become a cardiologist

At the end of his or her academic career, a cardiologist must master a wide range of techniques, in order to make accurate diagnoses and administer appropriate treatments. This includes the use of ECG, shock cardiography and advanced medical imaging such as cardiac MRI or CT. In addition, he must be well informed about pharmacological treatments specific to cardiovascular disease, such as anticoagulants, antihypertensives and statins, as well as the long-term management of these treatments.

The cardiologist plays a fundamental role in the prevention and detection of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and heart failure. He must also support his patients over the long term, by adjusting treatments and advising them to adopt a healthy lifestyle (stop smoking, resume physical activity). This management requires great adaptability, as each patient is unique and requires different attention.

The cardiologist's human qualities

In addition to technical skills, a good cardiologist must demonstrate indisputable human qualities. Empathy, compassion and communication skills are essential to establish a relationship of trust with patients, who are often anxious or distressed about the seriousness of their condition. He or she must be able to explain sometimes complex diagnoses in an understandable way, while providing moral support.

The métier of cardiologist can être éproving, particularly when faced with emergencies or critical cases. That's why it's important to know how to manage stress and make decisions quickly and effectively, without losing your composure. Last but not least, patience and perseverance are essential, especially when monitoring patients suffering from chronic illnesses, as results can take a long time to appear. Working as part of a team, with other specialists, is also an essential component in providing quality care and effectively coordinating management.

The débouchés and career prospects

The career of a cardiologistoffers many opportunities and can be practiced in a variety of environments: public hospitals, private clinics, private practices or even rehabilitation centers. These different places of practice enable cardiologists to vary their daily routine and take on new challenges, both technical and relational.

In short, although the path to becoming a cardiologist is demanding, with nearly 11 years of study, it leads to a highly rewarding and respected profession. Cardiology is a complex but challenging field, offering a diverse and rewarding career. Medical discoveries, human interaction and varied case management make it an essential specialty that is highly valued by students.

If you found this article interesting and would like to know more, please don't hesitate to read our cardiologist salary fact sheet !