Specialty overview
Cardiologists diagnose, treat and care for patients with diseases or conditions which affect the cardiovascular system, including congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure and valvular heart disease.
Clinical practice
Cardiologists collaboratively with a broad range of other internal medicine physicians, as well as with vascular and cardiothoracic surgeons, to provide comprehensive care for their patients. Cardiologists can work within both public and private health services.
Key statistics
Number of Queensland and Australian specialists
Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows
Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours
Information on specialists
-
Specialists over 60
This donut chart shows that 22% of specialists are aged over 60 years. -
Specialist intending to retire by 2034
This donut chart shows that 41% of 2024 workforce intend to retire by 2034. -
Location in QLD
This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 21% are located in regional QLD, 79.1% are in major cities, and 0.3% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities. -
Proportion Female/Male - QLD
84.8%
male15.2%
femaleThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 84.6%, Females are 15.4%. -
Public vs Private
59%
private41%
publicThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 51.1%, Public is 48.9%.
Information on trainees
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Proportion female/male trainees in QLD
61%
male39%
femaleThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 61%, Females are 39%.
Number of QLD trainees 2015-2022
What our staff have to say
Dr Gregory Starmer
Cardiologist
Cardiology provides me with an opportunity to practice acute and critical care, invasive medicine, diagnostic testing, as well as build long-term relationships with patients with chronic heart disease. Working within a broad multidisciplinary team enables a high level of professional satisfaction. It is a privilege and truly rewarding to be able to provide care, reassurance and support to patients and their families facing potentially serious cardiac events.
Training information
College
Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)
Length of training
6 years full-time (3 years basic training, 3 years advanced training)
Method of allocation
College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:
- Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)
Training and assessment summary
The Queensland Cardiology Advanced Training Pathway is a centralised state-wide recruitment process for advanced training positions in cardiology and is supported by the Cardiology Directors of advanced training at accredited Queensland hospitals.
Training program overview
Cardiology advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training, and trainees may choose to focus on either adult or paediatric cardiology with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The Cardiology program incorporates work-based learning and assessment with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Cardiologist in Australia or New Zealand.
Eligibility
Applicants must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training (including Written and Clinical Examinations), and been appointed to an appropriate Advanced Training position.
Flexibility
Minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training program must be completed within 8 years.
Interrupted training
Allowed. Interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require the development of a Return to Training Plan in collaboration with a supervisor and approval from the relevant training committee.