What is an F.A.C.C.?
An F.A.C.C. is a Fellow of the
American College of Cardiology. Based on their outstanding credentials,
achievements, and community contribution to cardiovascular medicine, physicians
who are elected to fellowship can use F.A.C.C., Fellow of the American College
of Cardiology, as a professional designation.
The strongest evidence of
achievement for those who earn the F.A.C.C insignia comes from their peers.
Letters of sponsorship from other F.A.C.C.s and medical school faculty attest
to professional competence and commitment to excellence, and are necessary for
election to Fellowship in the College.
When accepting election to
Fellowship in ACC, each physician pledges, "cooperation and loyalty to the
attainment of the ideals" of the College, the most important of which is
to promote excellence in cardiovascular care.
Each year at ACC's Annual Scientific
Session, newly appointed Fellows take part in the convocation ceremony honoring
their new rank as F.A.C.C. and reaffirming the commitment to furthering optimal
cardiovascular care. New Fellows receive their certificate of Fellowship and
are officially recognized as Fellows of the College at the convocation
ceremony.
How are Cardiologists Trained?
Cardiologists receive extensive
education, including four years of medical school and three years of training
in general internal medicine. After this, a cardiologist spends three or more
years in specialized training. That’s ten or more years of training!
How Does a Cardiologist Become
Certified?
In order to become certified,
doctors who have completed a minimum of ten years of clinical and educational
preparation must pass a rigorous two-day exam given by the American Board of
Internal Medicine. This exam tests not only their knowledge and judgment, but
also their ability to provide superior care.
When Would I See a Cardiologist?
If your general medical doctor feels
that you might have a significant heart or related condition, he or she will
often call on a cardiologist for help. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest
pains, or dizzy spells often require special testing. Sometimes heart murmurs
or ECG changes need the evaluation of a cardiologist. Cardiologists help
victims of heart disease return to a full and useful life and also counsel patients
about the risks and prevention of heart disease. Most importantly,
cardiologists are involved in the treatment of heart attacks, heart failure,
and serious heart rhythm disturbances. Their skills and training are required
whenever decisions are made about procedures such as cardiac catheterization,
balloon angioplasty, or heart surgery.
What Does a Cardiologist Do?
Whether the cardiologist sees you in
the office or in the hospital, he or she will review your medical history and
perform a physical examination which may include checking your blood pressure,
weight, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Some problems may be diagnosed by your
symptoms and the doctor’s findings when you are examined. You may need
additional tests such as an ECG, x-ray, or blood test. Other problems will
require more specialized testing. Your cardiologist may recommend lifestyle
changes or medicine. Each patient’s case is unique.
Via our Patient
Stories videos, you can experience
real-life stories of heart patients, and how they have worked closely with
their cardiologists, families and health care team to achieve the best heart
health possible.
What Kinds of Tests May the
Cardiologist Recommend or Perform?
Examples include:
- Echocardiogram – a soundwave picture to look at the structure and function of the heart.
- Ambulatory ECG – a recording during activity to look for abnormal heart rhythms.
- Exercise test – a study to measure your heart’s performance and limitations.
- Cardiac Catheterization – a test in which a small tube is placed in or near the heart to take pictures, look at how the heart is working, check the electrical system, or help relieve blockage.
Is My Cardiologist a Surgeon?
No, however, many cardiologists do
tests such as cardiac catheterizations that require small skin punctures or
incisions, and some put in pacemakers.
Do All Cardiologists Perform Cardiac
Catheterizations?
No. Many cardiologists are specially
trained in this technique, but others specialize in office diagnosis, the
performance and interpretation of echocardiograms, ECGs, and exercise tests.
Still others have special skill in cholesterol management or cardiac
rehabilitation and fitness. All cardiologists know how and when these tests are
needed and how to manage cardiac emergencies.
How Does the Cardiologist Work with
Other Doctors in My Care?
A cardiologist usually serves as a
consultant to other doctors. Your physician may recommend a cardiologist or you
may choose one yourself. As your cardiac care proceeds, your cardiologist will
guide your care and plan tests and treatment with the doctors and nurses who
are looking after you.
Where Do Cardiologists Work?
They may work in single or group
private practices. Many cardiologists with special teaching interests work in
universities where their duties also include research and patient care. There
are cardiologists on staff in the Veterans Administration hospitals and in the
Armed Forces.
Will My Insurance Cover the Services
of a Cardiologist?
Yes, in most cases. However,
insurance plans vary and each case is handled individually. Your doctor and
office staff will be glad to discuss your insurance plan and billing with you.
What Questions Should I Ask My
Cardiologist?
There are basic
questions to remember to ask,
in addition to whatever questions are on your mind. For instance, if you have
had a coronary angiogram, you may ask to see the pictures of your heart and
have your cardiologist explain what they mean. Your heart and health are, of
course, vitally important to you. Remember, your cardiologist wants you to
understand your illness and be an active participant in your own care.
Neurologist
Introduction
to Neurology
Neurology is the branch of medicine
concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The
nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and
coordinates body activities. It has two major divisions:
- Central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral nervous system: all other neural elements, such as eyes, ears, skin, and other "sensory receptors"
A doctor who specializes in
neurology is called a neurologist. The neurologist treats disorders that affect
the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, such as:
- Cerebrovascular disease, such as stroke
- Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis
- Headache disorders
- Infections of the brain and peripheral nervous system
- Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease
- Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
- Spinal cord disorders
- Speech and language disorders
Neurologists do not perform surgery.
If one of their patients requires surgery, they refer them to a neurosurgeon.
Education
to Become a Neurologist in the United States
- Four years of pre-medical education in a college or university
- Four years of medical school resulting in an M.D. or D.O. degree (doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree)
- One year internship in either internal medicine or medicine/surgery
- At least 3 years of specialty training in an accredited neurology residency program
