Cardiology
Cardiologists diagnose and treat defects and diseases of the cardiovascular system, including the heart, blood vessels, and the circulation of blood through the body.
Those cardiologists who become interested in full-time sub-specialization in cardiology - in areas such as pediatric cardiology, nuclear cardiology, or catheterization - usually practice in university hospitals or large medical centers.
You found your specialty, now plan the rest of your path.
From specialty exploration to school discovery, interview preparation, and debt planning, all part of the SDN Schools Database.
Key Facts
Core Focus: Diseases of the heart and blood vessels
Number of Physicians: Large (~25,000)
Training Length: 3 years internal medicine + 3 years fellowship
Subspecialties: Interventional, electrophysiology, heart failure
Job Progression: Academic cardiology, cath lab director
Gender Distribution: 20% female, 80% male
Job Outlook: Growing
Work Environment: Hospitals, clinics, cardiac centers
Patient Relationship: Ongoing chronic care
Schedule: Variable hours, some emergencies
Common Procedures: Echocardiography, stress testing, cardiac catheterization
Residency Length: 6 years
Fellowship Required: Yes
Average Annual Income: ~$520,000 - $587,000
Average Weekly Hours: 58 hours/week
Burnout Percentage: 51%
Match Competitiveness: High
Common Work Settings: Hospitals, cardiology clinics, cath labs
❤️ Values and Personality Comparison
Cardiology Top Values
- Decision making
- Independence
- Working with my hands
- Working with my mind
- Working with people
Cardiology Do Not Value
- Feedback from others
- Security
- Sufficient time off
🧠 Cardiology Personality Traits
- Like complex problem solving
- Be uncomfortable with poorly defined problems
- Become bored with repetitive activity
- Be interested in people
- Be energetic / have a high energy level
- Be serious and determined rather than easygoing
- Have manual dexterity
- Like gadgets and enjoy technology
- Value independence highly
- Be willing to work long hours
🔗 Links
Has any information changed? Click here to report an update.