To all the new doctors and especially for new cardiologists from India- Any degree only means that you have the basic necessary knowledge on the subject and a basic level of competency can be expected from you. Thats it. Learning is a continuous process. Try and learn to do and the nuances of whatever your field demands. Even if you think this might not help you right now, but it will one day surely help you when you least expect it to. Be curious always, be receptive to a good advice, and always try and form your trusted circle- people whom you can call and ask for an insight. Read, read and read some more. Try and attend specific workshops related to your field. Do not go into conferences expecting to learn new subject matter- so there to refine existing knowledge and to clear your doubts once you get over your degree. Workshops are a great way to do that. Know how to handle basic emergencies and guidelines related to them. Never be afraid to refer a patient that you feel you cannot help much. You cannot save everyone, and sometimes you shall receive patients who are already at the point of no return. Learn to communicate clearly, respectfully but still softly- while breaking bad news. Always have the phone number of your nearby police station handy. Be ethical, you know when you toe that ethical boundary- stay within it at all times. Never rely on the vitals and clinical description of someone else - see for yourself or have an equally competent person check it. I tend to trust electronics for my vitals more than many people now. Delegate. Do not try to do everything by yourself. Take out time for you and your family. You are also a human. The same problems you are treating, can happen to you too- so take care of your health. Your patients will forget you the moment you die, but your children, spouse and children will not. Be happy: do not chase money. Do ethical work, the money may be slow, but it will eventually come to you. Never give into the pressure of the corporates. They are there to make a profit, you are there to treat patients. Have a spine, say when things are not right. Upgrade as and when you can.