The Discipline
Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology represents advanced training in cardiovascular disease and focuses on management of advanced or complicated heart failure beyond the scope of what is usually provided by general internal medicine physicians and general cardiologists. This includes treatment of patients with difficult to control heart failure, the ability to implement a wide array of electrophysiologic and hemodynamic support devices and complex percutaneous and surgical procedures in patients who may benefit from them, and evaluation of prospective patients for heart transplantation.
Heart Failure and Transplant cardiologists often practice in the context of cardiology clinics and centers in which cardiac transplantation is provided. However, consultative and comanagement services for other physicians managing patients with heart failure is often a significant aspect of practice.
Training
Heart Failure and Transplant cardiologists must complete an additional year of training beyond a general internal medicine residency and fellowship in cardiovascular disease; this training is most commonly done immediately following a cardiovascular disease fellowship. Following completion, Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology fellows are eligible for board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Major Professional Society
- Heart Failure Society