Scottish Medical Training

The East of Scotland Cardiology Training programme provides excellent training in all aspects of general cardiology as well as many sub-specialties. The main department is based in Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, providing experience in the care of cardiology patients - in the ward, coronary care and out patient setting.

Whilst in Ninewells, trainees also participate in an on-call rota covering acute cardiology problems throughout the hospital, including assisting with primary PCI. Training in echocardiography (including TOE), coronary angiography (including PCI), nuclear cardiology and simple and complex devices implantation. Ninewells hospital perform a limited number of electrophysiology procedures and training in electrophysiology is achieved by attending further sessions in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Cardiology training will be delivered alongside General Internal Medicine training. There will be periods covering the acute general medical on call and opportunities to attend general medical clinics in order to successfully complete the competencies required in general medicine.

Through links with the University of Dundee (also part of the Ninewells campus) there is a strong academic base with an excellent track record.

The department is friendly and welcoming with a good relationship between consultants and trainees, enhanced by the high consultant to trainee ratio. There are weekly meetings for discussion of complex cases, current research and audits and there is a programme of monthly half-day educational sessions covering the breadth of the cardiology curriculum.

Although many subspecialty interests are available in Dundee, there is no on-site cardio-thoracic surgery. In order to gain experience of managing cardiothoracic patients, trainees will spend some time at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for experience in a cardiothoracic centre. For those interested in electrophysiology there is the opportunity to spend sessions in Aberdeen, Glasgow, or Edinburgh to obtain further training in this area.

Training within the Deanery is trainee focused with attention to individual trainee needs and aspirations.  Ninewells is a University teaching hospital with opportunities to become involved in research.

Many of our Trainees have taken time out of programme to successfully complete a MD or PhD at the University of Dundee.

The East of Scotland Region involves Tayside, which is a beautiful area to live and work within.  It has varied geography and offers diverse interests for individuals and families, from a thriving city life in Dundee to outdoor activities in Angus, Perthshire and North Fife.  It has good road and rail networks to the other areas of Scotland. The quality of life in Tayside is excellent with easy access to beautiful countryside for sport and leisure as well as world-renowned facilities for golf.