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.
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Cardiology by The Numbers: Workforce and Job Growth Projections
There are 35,707 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.
Key Factors Behind the Cardiologist Shortage
Rural Disparities: Millions Left Without Access to Cardiovascular Care
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.
Aging Population & Workforce: Rising Demand & Shrinking Workforce
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.
Cardiology’s Future: Confronting Rising Risk Factors and Demand
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.
Solving the Cardiologist Shortage Through Actionable Strategies
Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI): Optimizing Cardiovascular Care
As the cardiologist shortage continues to challenge healthcare systems, AI is proving to be a valuable tool.
Utilize Locum Tenens Cardiologists: Bridging Workforce Gaps with Interim Staffing
Integrating locum tenens cardiologists into staffing plans can serve as a strategic stopgap, ensuring staffing levels and care quality remain consistent.
Interim Healthcare Staffing: Partnering with Medicus for Reliable Coverage
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cardiology Workforce
How Many Cardiologists Are in the United States?
There are 35,707 cardiologists in the U.S., with 24,846 being general cardiologists. The rest of the cardiology workforce includes:
- 5,031 Interventional Cardiologists
- 2,847 Cardiac Electrophysiologists
- 1,553 Pediatric Cardiologists
- 1,379 Cardiothoracic Surgeons
- 51 Peripheral Vascular Disease Specialists
What is the Average Age of a Cardiologist?
The cardiology workforce has the highest average age among medical specialties at 59 years old.
What Factors Are Causing the Cardiologist Shortage?
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.
What States Have the Lowest Amount of Cardiologists?
States with the fewest cardiologists per capita include Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, and South Dakota.
Are Cardiologists Among the Highest Revenue-Generating Specialties for Hospitals?
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.
