Thomas Costantino, M.D., is Director of Cardiology.

During the three-year medical residency training program, scheduled didactic and clinical experience in the Cardiology Division enables the graduating resident to effectively manage patients with cardiac disease. Members of the division conduct daily teaching rounds in the Coronary Care Unit, Telemetry Unit, and the remainder of the cardiology service. Residents interact with cardiology faculty and members of the Cardiology Fellowship Program, which is integrated with SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn.

Echocardiograms and electrocardiograms are read daily with the assigned cardiology resident. Consultations and procedures are performed by the resident under the direct supervision of attending cardiologists.

There is a weekly conference emphasizing clinical auscultation, cardiovascular hemodynamics, cardiac catheterization, and non-invasive testing. A bi-weekly conference in general clinical cardiology is patient-oriented and reviews important aspects of patient care. Regular programs are held throughout the year in coronary care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ACLS), and electrocardiography.

Residents and fellows become experienced in radio-isotope cardiac scanning, diagnostic cardiac catheterization, echocardiography, electrocardiography, exercise and pharmacologic stress-testing.

In the electrophysiologic studies service, residents and fellows are exposed to the diagnosis and management of complex arrhythmias including the indications for permanent pacemakers and automatic indwelling cardiac defibrillators.

In addition to participating in the selection and care of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, the residents rotate through the invasive cardiology division, including PTCA (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty) and open-heart surgery.

The division is actively involved in clinical research. Participation by medical residents is strongly encouraged.

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