The Division of Cardiology boasts highly popular undergraduate cardiology electives, a Med II core unit, and one of the top subspecialty training programs in Canada. It also offers fellowships in echocardiography, interventional cardiology and electrophysiology. Faculty members have a knack for teaching, mentoring and role modeling driven by their own interests in learning.

Undergraduate teaching activity includes tutoring, lecturing, bedside teaching and mentoring for students in all years of medical school. The division also offers opportunities for medical students to be involved in research activities. Faculty members share a belief that students should get the most challenging, most rewarding experience possible.

Our cardiology subspecialty training program is one of the top three in Canada because of the breadth and depth of clinical knowledge and skill residents acquire. We emphasize clinical expertise, critical thinking and effective communication.

 

Overview

The Dalhousie cardiology subspecialty training program is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and accepts candidates through the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). We accept two to four residents per year for a program total of eight to ten.

What to expect as a resident

Exceptional breadth and depth of exposure to acute and chronic cardiovascular disease
emphasis on:

  • accurate clinical bedside diagnosis
  • appropriate ordering of decisive testing
  • integration of all data into a well communicated consultation

Hands on training in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and procedures
Participation in research projects

Core training period minimums

  • 13 months in non-laboratory clinical practice activities (consultations, acute care, intermediate care, ambulatory care, pediatrics, CV Surgery and transplant cardiology)
  • 3 months in the cardiac catheterization laboratory
  • 6 months in echocardiology
  • 5 months in electrocardiography, stress testing, ambulatory monitoring, electrophysiology, cardiac pacing and nuclear cardiology
  • 2 months of research
  • 1 month of advanced cardiac imaging
  • 6 months of elective time, the remainder as selective time

Curriculum

In place of the more standard academic half day, we offer a minimum of five hours weekly of education specifically for core trainees, as well as the opportunity to participate in specialized rounds for fellows in interventional cardiology and electrophysiology.