Cardiology International: Working as a Cardiologist in Qatar

HERZMEDIZIN: What motivated you to move from Syria to Qatar?

Habib: After graduating from medical school in Syria, I wanted to continue my postgraduate training in an environment offering structured education, advanced clinical exposure and opportunities for professional development. Given the difficult circumstances in Syria at that time, I was particularly motivated to find a place where I could develop my clinical skills and pursue my ambitions.

Hamad Medical Corporation offered internationally accredited training programmes, modern facilities and a multicultural environment. Working alongside physicians from different backgrounds has been one of the most valuable aspects of my journey.

HERZMEDIZIN: What does a typical working day look like at Heart Hospital?

Habib: A typical day is rarely predictable. It may start with reviewing patients in the coronary care unit, discussing overnight admissions and interpreting echocardiograms, before moving to the catheterisation laboratory for coronary angiography or PCI. Between procedures, we assess emergency referrals, discuss cases with cardiac surgeons and imaging colleagues, and reassess critically ill patients.

Heart Hospital is a specialised referral centre, where we encounter acute coronary syndromes, advanced heart failure, arrhythmias, structural heart disease and patients requiring mechanical circulatory support. One distinctive feature of practising in Qatar is the diversity of our patients and colleagues. People come from many different countries and speak different languages. This requires clear communication, cultural awareness and close collaboration within international teams.

HERZMEDIZIN: How is the working week structured, including on-call duties and teaching?

Habib: The regular working week runs from Sunday to Thursday, generally from 7 AM to 3 PM, although fellows often stay longer depending on clinical responsibilities and their rotation.

Coronary care unit rotations may involve 14 consecutive working days, sometimes with 12-hour shifts to ensure continuity of care. General cardiology fellows typically have four to five 24-hour on-call duties per month, while interventional cardiology training involves more frequent shifts and emergency procedural responsibilities.

Regular educational activities include lectures, journal clubs, case discussions and multidisciplinary meetings. Research and quality improvement activities are encouraged, although balancing these with clinical duties can be challenging.

HERZMEDIZIN: How is cardiology training structured in Qatar?

Habib: The usual pathway involves completing an internal medicine residency, followed by a three-year general cardiology fellowship. Both programmes at HMC are accredited by ACGME International.

During general cardiology training, fellows rotate through coronary care, cardiovascular imaging, catheterisation, electrophysiology and outpatient services. Clinical responsibility increases progressively under supervision.

HERZMEDIZIN: How can international medical graduates apply for training positions in Qatar?

Habib: International graduates applying for residency generally need a recognised medical degree, completed internship, an accepted examination such as USMLE Step 2 CK, IFOM-CSE or MCCQE Part I, and proof of English proficiency. Additional eligibility and licensing requirements apply.

Applicants for cardiology fellowship positions must have completed recognised internal medicine training. Currently, recruitment at HMC primarily focuses on internal candidates, although external opportunities may occasionally be available. I recommend checking HMC's official recruitment website for updated requirements.

HERZMEDIZIN: How much hands-on experience do fellows gain during their training?

Habib: Cardiology training at Heart Hospital provides substantial practical experience. Fellows begin performing echocardiography early in their training under supervision, gradually progressing towards independent image acquisition and preliminary interpretation.

In the catheterisation laboratory, fellows initially observe and assist before progressing to vascular access, diagnostic coronary angiography and right heart catheterisation as primary operators.

Responsibility increases according to individual competence rather than a fixed training year. Consultants continue to supervise procedures, review findings and sign final reports. Advanced coronary interventions are primarily developed during the subsequent interventional cardiology fellowship.

HERZMEDIZIN: Why did you choose interventional cardiology, and what does your subspecialty training involve?

Habib: I began my two-year interventional cardiology fellowship in July 2026. What attracts me most is the combination of urgent clinical decisions, detailed coronary anatomy and procedural problem-solving. I particularly enjoy intracoronary imaging, complex PCI, haemodynamic assessment and exposure to structural interventions.

One important lesson has been that technical ability does not replace clinical judgment. Knowing when to intervene, when additional imaging is necessary and when another treatment strategy offers greater benefit is just as important as mastering procedural techniques.

HERZMEDIZIN: What role do international examinations and research play in your training?

Habib: Alongside postgraduate qualifications in internal medicine, I passed the European Exam in Core Cardiology (EECC) in 2026 and the examination of the US National Board of Echocardiography. Preparing for these assessments encouraged me to compare daily practice with international guidelines and maintain a broad foundation in cardiology.

Research has also been an important part of my training. Clinical questions arising during rounds or in the catheterisation laboratory have developed into collaborative studies on acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, cardiovascular imaging and structural interventions.

Presenting at ESC Congress 2026 in Munich and discussing interventional cases at TCT Middle East were valuable opportunities for international exchange. Being recognised as Best Researcher in our HMC fellowship programme in 2026 was particularly encouraging.

HERZMEDIZIN: What advice would you give young cardiologists considering training or working in Qatar?

Habib: I would recommend speaking with current trainees, carefully reviewing the accreditation of the programme and understanding the professional registration and licensing requirements before relocating.

For me, Qatar has offered the opportunity to manage complex cardiovascular disease, learn from experienced colleagues and contribute to international research.

My advice to younger colleagues is to seek good mentorship, ask questions, remain open to feedback and never let procedural ambition overshadow the patient in front of you.

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