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

279

Number of QLD specialists

1,323

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

10

Number of QLD new fellows

44

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

42

Number of QLD trainees

48.8

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 279

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 10

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 48.8 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 51 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 21% of specialists are aged over 60 years.
  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 36% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.
  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 21.2% are located in regional Queensland, 78.8% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.
  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    85.9%
    male

    14.1%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 85.9%, Females are 14.1%.
  • Public vs Private

    54.9%
    private

    45.1%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 54.9%, Public is 45.1%.

Information on trainees

  • 42

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 13

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 192

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 57

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    61.9%
    male

    38.1%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 61.9%, Females are 38.1%.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

This line chart shows the trend of the number of Queensland trainees from 2015 to 2022. 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.

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: September 2024