Introduction

The Division of Cardiology at Taipei Veterans General Hospital offers a comprehensive integrated program of clinical services and training program for both primary and tertiary care of adults with a broad variety of cardiovascular disorders, including ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, structural heart disease, peripheral artery occlusion disease, and arrhythmia. To evaluate and treat cardiac disorders, we provide several specialized cardiac examinations such as treadmill exercise test, 24 hours Holter exam, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), coronary angiogram (CAG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), percutaneous trans-arterial angiography (PTA), trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PTBV), electrical physiological study (EPS), catheter ablation for atrial fibrillations/ paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia/ ventricular tachycardia, and implantation of permanent pacemaker/implantable cardioverter & defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization defibrillators.

Objective

1. Learn and practice how to take integrated patient history, physical examinations, ECG interpretations, and further differential diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.

2. Learn the indications, mechanisms, and interpretation of non-invasive and invasive cardiovascular examinations.

3. Learn to identify and manage cardiovascular emergencies, e.g.: acute coronary syndrome, aortic dissection, fatal arrhythmia, congestive heart failure with acute decompensation.  

Available Supervisors

• Shih-Ann Chen, M.D., Ph.D.     
• Chuen-Wang Chiou.
• Chern-En Chiang, M.D., Ph.D.
• Yenn-Jiang Lin, M.D., Ph.D.
• Shih-Lin Chang, M.D., Ph.D.
• Li-Wei Lo, M.D., Ph.D.
• Hu Yu-Feng, M.D., Ph.D
• Fa-Po Chung, M.D. 
• Ta-Chuan Tuan, M.D.
• Jo-Nan Liao, M.D.
• Tze-Fan Chao, M.D.
• Shing-Jong Lin, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.C.
• Jaw-Wen Chen, M.D.
• Chen-Huan Chen, M.D.
• Chin-Chou Huang, M.D.
• Hao-Min Cheng, M.D., Ph.D.
• Wan Leong Chan, M.D., LMCHK
• Min-Ji Charng, M.D., Ph.D.
• M.D.Pan Ju-Pin, M.D.
• Tao-Cheng Wu, M.D., Ph.D.
• Cheng-Hsueh Wu, M.D.
• Hsin-Bang Leu, M.D., Ph.D.
• Shih-Hsien Sung, M.D.
• Wen-Shin Lee, M.D.
• Chia-Yu Chou, M.D.
• Pai-Feng Hsu, M.D., Ph.D.
• Po-Hsun Huang, M.D.; Ph.D.
• Tse-Min Lu, M.D., Ph.D.
• Kang-Lin Wang, M.D.
• Shao-Sung Huang, M.D.
• Chun-Chih Chiu, M.D
• Tsung-Lin Yang, M.D.
• Wen-Chung Yu, M.D.
• Ching-Wei Lee, M.D.

Tentative Schedule

WEEK ONE

1. To participate in resident work rounds and attending teaching rounds.

    2. To attend core-lecture, case conference and journal meetings.

3. To visit examination rooms (24 hours Holter exam, treadmill exercise test, cardiac sonography)

WEEK TWO

1. To participate in resident work rounds and attending teaching rounds.

2. To attend core-lecture, case conference and journal meetings.

3. To visit out-patient department.

4. To join simulation lesson of ACLS.

WEEK THREE

1. To participate in resident work rounds and attending teaching rounds.

2. To attend core-lecture, case conference and journal meetings.

3. To visit cardiac catheter room

4. To visit out-patient department.

WEEK FOUR

1. To participate in resident work rounds and attending teaching rounds.

2. To attend core-lecture, case conference and journal meetings.

3. To visit out-patient department.

Assessment

1. MINI-CEX performed by supervisors.

2. Classic cardiovascular case presentation or Journal reading.

References

1. Braunwald's Heart Disease: 10^th edition, by Robert O. Bonow MD MS , Douglas L. Mann MD , Douglas P. Zipes MD .
2. The Heart. 13^th edition, by Hurst.
3. ACC/AHA guidelines.
4. ESC guidelines.