Endokardist

Endokardist is a term used in some languages and contexts to denote a physician who specializes in diseases of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. In English-language medicine, the term is not widely used; clinicians with similar responsibilities are typically described as cardiologists, with subspecialists in infectious diseases, cardiac imaging, or cardiac surgery handling related aspects. When used, the endokardist’s focus is the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the endocardium, including infective endocarditis, thrombotic endocarditis, and other endocardial disorders, as well as the evaluation of valvular disease and endocardial involvement in systemic illnesses.

Typical duties include taking patient histories and performing examinations, ordering and interpreting imaging studies such as echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal), cardiac MRI, and CT, and coordinating care with other specialists. A key component is managing infectious endocarditis through appropriate antimicrobial therapy in collaboration with infectious disease teams, along with planning and overseeing surgical or percutaneous interventions when indicated. Endokardists often participate in multidisciplinary heart teams to determine optimal treatment strategies and provide long-term follow-up for patients with complex endocardial disease.

Training generally follows the path of medical education to become a cardiologist: earning a medical degree, completing residency in internal medicine, and undertaking a cardiology fellowship. Additional sub-specialization in echocardiography, cardiac imaging, or valvular heart disease, as well as knowledge of infectious disease management for endocarditis, may be pursued. Board certification in cardiology is common, with ongoing continuing education to maintain expertise.