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

2026 QLD Training program selections(first year)

132
eligible

31
selected

This doughnut chart shows the proportion of applications recieved vs applicants selected. Eligible applications received 132, Applicants selected is 31.

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

288

Number of QLD specialists

1401

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

23

Number of QLD new fellows

85

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

43

Number of QLD trainees

47.5

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 288

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 23

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 47.5 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 51 years

    Average age QLD

  • 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%
    male

    15.2%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 84.6%, Females are 15.4%.

  • Public vs Private

    59%
    private

    41%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 51.1%, Public is 48.9%.

Information on trainees

  • 43

    Number of QLD trainees

  • 12

    Number of new QLD trainees

  • 195

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 60

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in QLD

    61%
    male

    39%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 61%, Females are 39%.

  • 2026 QLD Training program selections (first year)

    132
    received

    31
    selected

    This doughnut chart shows the number of 2026 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 132 Eligible applications were received, 31 of those were selected.

Number of QLD trainees 2015-2025

This line chart shows the trend of the number of QLD trainees from 2015 to 2025. The data points are: 2015 - 34 trainees, 2016 - 28 trainees, 2017 - 36 trainees, 2018 - 37 trainees, 2019 - 38 trainees, 2020 - 36 trainees, 2021 - 42 trainees, 2022 - 42 trainees, 2023 - 44 trainees, 2024 - 46 trainees, 2025 - 43 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

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.

Training locations

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Last updated:   February 2026

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