In the fast-paced world of cardiology, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, Dr. Timothy Jones found himself pondering a different kind of challenge. After completing one of UK’s most demanding physician examinations in late 2021, he had an epiphany that would lead him down an unexpected path: learning to code.
The Call to Adventure
As a cardiologist trained at University College London Medical School, Dr. Jones had spent years mastering the intricate art of cardiac auscultation – listening to heart sounds through a stethoscope. Heart disease, being the leading cause of death globally, requires early detection for the best patient outcomes. Throughout his career at various UK hospitals, he had dedicated countless hours to teaching medical students and resident doctors about heart disease.
But a thought kept nagging at him: there had to be a better way to scale this crucial medical education.
“After the exam, I remember thinking to myself on the way home that there must be a better way to learn to use a stethoscope,” Dr. Jones recalls. This moment of reflection would eventually lead to the creation of Murmur Master®, an innovative iOS app designed to revolutionize how healthcare professionals learn about heart sounds.
Facing the Unknown
The journey to being an app developer wasn’t without its challenges. “I had no technical or computing background at all, so I was starting from the very beginning,” Dr. Jones admits. Adding to the complexity was his demanding schedule as a full-time physician, working long hours and night shifts.
But rather than letting these obstacles deter him, Dr. Jones adopted a “little and often” strategy. After careful research, he discovered CodeWithChris and found their introductory YouTube series to be the most logical and beginner-friendly approach to iOS development.
Over the next three years, Dr. Jones embarked on an intense learning journey. He spent 18 months learning to code through the CWC+ platform, methodically working through modules that built upon each other. The comprehensive curriculum covered everything from basic coding concepts to advanced topics like Firebase integration and UI design.
For him, what set CodeWithChris apart was the practical relevance of the content and the supportive community. “I loved how each module built on knowledge and skills from the previous one,” he explains. The CWC community became an invaluable resource, providing answers to countless questions along the way.
Murmur Master
Armed with his newly acquired skills, Dr. Jones spent another 18 months developing Murmur Master® for App Store publishing. The app provides a comprehensive library of high-fidelity heart sounds recorded from real patients, complemented by detailed explanations and stunning visual representations. One of its innovative features even simulates a cardiac “thrill” – the vibration felt through a patient’s chest wall – using the iOS device’s haptic engine.
Today, Murmur Master® is available on the App Store and is being downloaded by healthcare professionals and students worldwide. The app serves as a powerful educational tool, helping users develop their skills in assessing and treating patients with heart problems in a low-pressure environment before encountering real cases.
But for Dr. Jones, this success story is just the beginning. He’s already using his coding skills to automate various medical and research processes, and he’s building connections with other healthcare professionals who share his interest in technology.
Words of Wisdom
For aspiring developers who might be intimidated by coding, Dr. Jones offers encouraging advice: “Just start – that’s the hardest step.” He emphasizes the importance of understanding error messages and taking a methodical approach to problem-solving rather than trying random solutions.
“It’s true that learning to code, especially when you have no or little prior experience, can be challenging,” he acknowledges. “When you encounter an obstacle, it can make you feel overwhelmed – but once you get past it, it’s so rewarding and can allow you to unlock the next level of understanding!”
His journey from cardiology to coding serves as another inspiring reminder that with determination, the right resources, and a supportive community, it’s possible to master new skills and create meaningful solutions – especially when you’re starting from nothing.
Murmur Master® is now available on the App Store, helping healthcare professionals worldwide improve their cardiac auscultation skills.
Ready to start your own app development journey? Check out CodeWithChris and CWC+ and discover how you can make the step toward your iOS app development goals!