Cardiology

Cardiology training in Wales 

Cardiology combines the pace of acute medicine, the precision of practical procedures and the challenge of long-term care. As a trainee, you could help manage cardiogenic shock, implant a cardiac device, guide treatment for someone living with heart failure, prevent a first or repeat cardiovascular event, or support a patient with congenital heart disease through pregnancy. The specialty offers a wide range of procedural opportunities, from coronary intervention and electrophysiology to pacing and advanced cardiac imaging, alongside rewarding clinical work across wards, clinics and community services. 

It is also a field that keeps moving. Advances in imaging, cardiac devices, medicines and catheter-based treatments continue to change what we can offer patients. Training in Wales gives you the opportunity to develop across this broad, evidence-based specialty while gaining the General Internal Medicine (GIM) experience needed for dual certification. 

Why Train in Wales

Our programme offers a strong grounding in general cardiology, substantial opportunities for practical and procedural training, and a friendly, inclusive training community. Across district general hospitals and specialist centres, trainees develop the clinical judgement and hands-on experience needed for independent practice, supported by colleagues who take an active interest in their development. 

Wales has 36 in-programme cardiology training posts, alongside several out-of-programme fellowship posts. Our programme brings together the breadth of district general hospital practice and the specialist opportunities of two tertiary centres. 

At the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and Morriston Cardiac Centre in Swansea, trainees can gain experience in centres with on-site cardiac surgery, interventional cardiology and electrophysiology facilities. Both have established transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) programmes and are developing catheter-based treatments for other forms of valve disease. 

Our district general hospitals offer substantial cardiology experience too. Many provide diagnostic cardiac catheterisation and bradycardia pacing, and several implant complex devices. Advanced imaging, including transoesophageal and stress echocardiography, cardiac CT and cardiac MRI, is available at both tertiary centres and at many district general hospitals. 

Life outside work is another reason to consider Wales. Vibrant cities and welcoming towns sit within easy reach of beautiful countryside, coastline and national parks. Whether your interests are in culture, sport or the outdoors, Wales offers plenty of opportunities to build a fulfilling life alongside your training.

Our training sites include:

How The Training Works

The first three years combine Cardiology and GIM training through placements in district general hospitals and tertiary centres. Trainees typically spend one to two years in each setting during this period, with the sequence and duration of placements varying according to individual training needs and programme arrangements. 

In the final two years, placements reflect the Cardiology Advanced Theme allocated through a selection process and are usually based at a tertiary centre. 

Many of our hospitals have active research programmes, offering trainees opportunities to contribute to clinical research alongside their training. We also support trainees who want to pursue research through time out of programme, including those working towards an MD or PhD. 

Our aim is to develop well-rounded cardiologists and general physicians with the clinical expertise, confidence and breadth of experience to compete for consultant posts across the UK and beyond. We hope the clinical experience, opportunities and professional relationships you build here will inspire you to continue your career in Wales.