Paediatric cardiologists provide care to infants and children suffering from cardiovascular problems, including issues with the structure or rhythm of the heart, arteries, veins, and heart failure. Paediatric cardiologists help children born with heart problems (congenital heart disease) typically caused by developmental issues in pregnancy. Paediatric cardiologists also work with children who develop heart problems in early childhood.

The specialist will perform functional assessments of the heart and blood vessels, as well as diagnose clinical cardiovascular conditions and the relevant treatments. Part of the examination performed by cardiologists includes blood tests, x-rays, and electrocardiogram (ECG) tests.

Heart conditions that paediatric cardiologists treat include:

• Arrhythmia
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Atrial septal defect (ASD)
• Myocarditis
• Syncope or fainting episodes
• Long qt syndrome
• Cardiomyopathy
• Hypertension
• Chest pain
• Congestive heart failure
• Hyperlipidaemia
• Endocarditis
• Heart murmur
• Heart damage caused by infections or viruses

Paediatric cardiologists work with the child’s existing paediatrician or health care provider to evaluate and diagnose health or development concerns associated with the heart, arteries, and veins. However, Paediatric cardiologists do not perform surgery.

Paediatric cardiologists are different to regular health practitioners who treat adults as they work closely with infants and children. Therefore, in order to become a great paediatric cardiologist, an individual must have empathy, a compassionate nature and enjoy working with children. Other attributes that are crucial to becoming a paediatric cardiologist include:

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make quick decisions
• Ability to cope with stress
• Team player with the ability to work with different health practitioners
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good visuospatial reasoning
• Caring and people-focused
• Self-motivated

While most applicants finish their cardiology paediatrics pathway in one block, that’s not the only way to successfully complete the program. Careful time planning around assessments will allow you to become a cardiologist with some breaks in between. However, if you take a break for 12 months or longer, some assessments will need to be repeated. Similarly, pausing the program for 24 months or longer will require the practitioner to revisit old content and material.

Each year, the number of applicants changes. In 2022, for example, 13 applicants entered their first year of cardiology training in Queensland from 36  applicants. Note that this number is based on cardiology training, not specifically paediatric cardiology. You can find more information on the Queensland Government  Medi-Nav website. 

The northern Queensland region offers a well-balanced mix of quality education and a relaxed or adventurous lifestyle, depending on your preference. With the convenience of cities close by, but the benefit of reasonable housing costs and vast landscapes a stone’s throw away, Northern Queensland is hard to beat.

Each regional centre is small enough to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life, but large enough to boast a range of facilities for socialising and entertainment. You can make the most of the great outdoors through rainforest hikes, mountain biking and snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Living and working in Northern Queensland offers a great balance for all ages and stages, with short commute times putting more hours back into your workday, and plenty to explore on the weekends.

Networking and industry social opportunities are to be found in the tightknit hospital and health communities. Our vision is to improve the health of communities in the northern Queensland region by addressing the shortage of doctors in the area, a passion which unites the students, interns, junior doctors, and specialists training and working here. 

Our training region ensure trainees have access to a wide range of hospital and health settings of varying sizes and capabilities offering diverse case load and case mix. These training areas include the following health service areas: Cairns, Central West, Mackay, North West, Torres and Cape, and Townsville.

References

• https://www.nqrth.edu.au/cardiology-paediatrics/

• https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/cardiologist#:~:text=Paediatric%20cardiologists%20specialise%20in%20looking,your%20child's%20condition%20and%20treatment.
• https://www.aamc.org/cim/explore-options/specialty-profiles/pediatric-cardiology
• https://www.cairnspost.com.au/lifestyle/15-things-they-dont-tell-you-when-you-move-to-far-north-queensland/news-story/103ff206c6f3ab85b273e3c47d4a83a5
• https://medinav.health.qld.gov.au/careers/medicine/cardiology/ 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website aims to assist medical students and doctors in training with medical career planning. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is current and accurate, all details should be verified through the relevant Specialist College.