Cardiologists in Europe

I. The Diploma of European Cardiologist

To obtain this dipoma, you can read and download all the necessary information on the ESBC Website: http://www.cardiology-accreditation.org/

This diploma, awarded by the ‘EBSC’, the European Board for the Specialty of Cardiology, a joint body of the European Society of Cardiology and UEMS, the European Union of Medical Specialists, is a recognition of your credentials. Likely to become increasingly important in the future, it may be awarded to all practicing cardiologists whether hospital based or in private practice.

II. How to become a European Cardiologist: the diploma and beyond

To become a European Cardiologist you must of course successfully apply for the Diploma. However it is also desirable that you develop the appropriate frame of mind and undertake the activities that flow from this :

• The ESC Annual Congress

For those of you who cannot, or might not wish to become involved in Society activities, you may still be an enthusiastic European cardiologist by visiting and promoting to first rank the ESC Congress ahead of all other international conferences. The Annual European Society of Cardiology Congress has now become the pre-eminent medical meeting in the world in terms of the number of attending cardiologists. The findings of major studies are frequently presented, more often than at the American College of Cardiology or the American Heart Association Congresses.

Furthermore, this conference takes place in different European cities such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Munich, and Stockholm, all much more interesting and pleasant locations then Dallas, Orlando or Anaheim. The conference takes place at a time of year in which activity in cardiology practices is certainly not at its highest and no time zone changes have to be endured. Choosing to attend the ESC Congress over other international cardiology meetings and to encourage your colleagues to do the same provides meaningful support for the European Society of Cardiology.

• The Council for Cardiology Practice

Your active participation in the activities of the Council for Cardiology Practice would of course also be appreciated. Some years ago European cardiologists in private practice came together to create the European College of Cardiology. Since its creation it has transformed into the Council for Cardiology Practice, a full member of the constituent bodies of the European Society of Cardiology. It did so for many reasons and in particular so that cardiologists in private practice could be fully active members of this society.

At this year’s World Congress, the Council put together ten Symposia focussing on issues relating to everyday clinical practice and therapeutics, continuing medical education of a kind in which all can participate. The Council has also organised international meetings such as that in Naples on May 21st of last year.

• Council Committees and Workshops

The Council has a broad interest in helping its members to improve their practice, including achieving a basic proficiency in the English language. The idea is not necessarily to have perfect mastery of English, but to be able to understand and communicate with all the proper technical medical vocabulary.

Our presence is regularly sought in the expert committees of the Clinical Guidelines Committee. To anyone who wishes to help us, whatever your present involvement in national societies, we urge you to come forward and participate in our workshops. A privately practicing cardiologist’s vision is appreciated by all those working for practicing cardiologists, whatever their professional set-up.

We invite you to participate in scientific committees and our the different workshops. There are no barriers, no examinations to take, just a common desire to foster high quality professional participation. No elections are necessary, and all good will is accepted at face value.

III – Conclusions

The European Society of Cardiology may seem out of reach to a majority of cardiologists, yet it is the ESC which today is shaping the future of European cardiology with the European Authorities in Brussels. It is the Society which, together with the UEMS, has created Boards that are validating structures and content of Training and Continuing Medical Education, and that is taking measures to self regulate our speciality in a manner which promotes and protects it, with the primary interest of our patients in mind.

The Society is also working to increase public awareness of Cardiovascular Disease, and as you learn about the actions of the European Society of Cardiology in this area you will appreciate how important it is for our future and how it can take the place of American associations active in the field, if we can only be as united and determined as they are.

One or two thousand cardiologists will never be sufficiently influential in promoting the role of the cardiologist in our society, so it is of great importantance that we join with this European organisation in its endeavours. Your becoming a European Cardiologist is an important first step in the process.

The content of this article reflects the personal opinion of the author/s and is not necessarily the official position of the European Society of Cardiology.