What is Cardiology? In his academic talk, Dr Rohan Wijesurendra introduces us to this branch of medicine, which is the study of our heart, and diseases which impact it. You will hear about some of the intervention options that cardiologists have to remove blockages in blood vessels, including using a balloon to inflate them! Dr Wijesurendra shows us a video of surgery taking place, so you can observe the blood vessel blockage (using a scan), see how this is treated and observe the outcome. Additionally, Dr Wijesurendra explains how electrical signals from our heart beat can be read on an electrocardiogram (ECG), and how we can help patients who have a heart rhythm abnormality. Whether or not you are considering studying Medicine, this talk will give you a fascinating insight into some of the practical considerations involved in healthcare.
Watch Dr Wijesurendra’s talk below!
Further resources
- Find out about a week as a Medical student studying Cardiology.
- Listen to 27 common ECG rhythms, and challenge yourself to identify some of these.
Dr Rohan Wijesurendra, Stipendiary Lecturer in Clinical Medicine
Dr Rohan Wijesurendra is a Clinical Lecturer in Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiology Registrar at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Dr Wijesurendra completed his medical training at Cambridge University with several prizes and scholarships including Distinction in Final MB: Pathology and the George Peter Baker prize for the best performance across the University in the written component of the Final MB examinations (also with Distinction). Dr Wijesurendra commenced specialisation in Cardiology in the Oxford Deanery in 2011, and in 2013 pursued a DPhil in Cardiovascular Medicine in Oxford, funded by a competitive British Heart Foundation Clinical Research Training Fellowship. His current post allows him to combine ongoing research in the fields of atrial fibrillation, electrophysiology and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, with completion of his clinical training in Cardiology and Electrophysiology.
In addition to his research and clinical commitments, Dr Wijesurendra jointly coordinates the Special Study Module in Cardiovascular Medicine, undertakes lectures and seminars for the FHS (3rd year medical students) and Graduate Entry Medicine courses, and provides regular bedside teaching for St John’s College clinical students.
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