Heart disease has remained the leading cause of death in the United States since the 1950s. As the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions continues to rise and a shortage of 8,650 cardiologists projected by 2037, the demand for care is anticipated to outpace the supply of available cardiologists.
There are approximately 35,000 cardiologists in the United States, with the majority specializing in general cardiology.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 5% job growth in cardiology by 2033, outpacing the 4% average growth rate projected for other occupations during the same period.
Counties without cardiologists face a 31% higher risk of heart disease and related complications, leaving millions of Americans with increased health risks and limited care options. Addressing these disparities is vital to improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to cardiovascular care nationwide.
The aging population will intensify the demand for cardiovascular care, as older adults are at an increased risk of developing heart conditions. Compounding this issue, the cardiology workforce is aging, creating significant challenges in meeting the growing need for care.
Nearly half of U.S. adults are affected by cardiovascular diseases, and numbers are climbing. With more adults facing hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, cardiology care is becoming even more critical for the future of healthcare.
As the cardiologist shortage continues to challenge healthcare systems, AI is proving to be a valuable tool.
Integrating locum tenens cardiologists into staffing plans can serve as a strategic stopgap, ensuring staffing levels and care quality remain consistent.
Partnering with Medicus goes beyond filling gaps—we connect you with locum cardiologists who seamlessly integrate into your team. Our tailored approach ensures reliable, high-quality coverage, keeping your team fully staffed and patient care uninterrupted.
For a comprehensive look into the cardiologist shortage, demands, and actionable strategies to navigate it, download our complete report here.
There are 35,000 cardiologists in the U.S., with the majority specializing in general cardiology.
The cardiology workforce has the highest average age among medical specialties at 59 years old.
Factors such as increased cardiologist burnout rates, rural disparities in cardiovascular care, training shortages, including bottlenecks and declining interest, and an aging population and workforce all impact the shortage of cardiologists.
States with the fewest cardiologists per capita include Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and South Dakota.
Yes. Cardiologists generate up to seven times their annual salaries for hospitals, contributing a considerable amount of revenue. With an average cardiologist salary of $565K and a limited supply of specialists, they remain one of the most in-demand specialties.