The demand for cardiologists is growing, as cardiovascular disease is projected to increase over the next 30 years. Here are some of the trends impacting cardiologists in 2025.

The demand for cardiologists is increasing.

Cardiovascular disease—currently the leading cause of death in the U.S.—has been on the decline for several decades. But in recent years, that trend has reversed itself. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular death and disease have once again begun to rise. Researches predict that cardiovascular disease will increase from 11% to 15% within the next 30 years, while stroke prevalence will likely double.

While the recent strides in cardiovascular disease assessment, prevention, and treatment have given physicians and researchers hope for better preventative care, the fact remains: cardiologists are needed now more than ever.

During a time when the U.S. is already facing a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036, this growing need for cardiology care is placing even more stress on cardiologists. 

These shortages have an outsized impact on rural areas, where communities can often struggle to attract and retain cardiologists. There are 7 times more active cardiologists in urban areas than in rural areas—which means that cardiologists who do work in rural areas often have to work more hours to address the demand and provide necessary care for their patients.

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Technology is evolving––which means physicians must evolve, too. 

AI and machine learning are driving innovation in cardiovascular diagnostics and treatment, which is great news for patient outcomes. AI also has the potential to support physicians in combatting the administrative burden, by automating routine tasks that often shift focus away from patient care.

But these technological advances, while they have the potential to make a real difference in both patients’ and physicians’ lives, also come with a learning curve. As technology evolves, physicians must evolve with it.  

Changes in ownership models can lead to changing priorities.

Changing trends in ownership models are also impacting cardiology. The 2025 MedAxiom survey reflects the growing shift toward private equity models. According to their 2023 data, almost 50% of all private groups were also part of a private equity portfolio—which is a major shift, given that a few years ago, the number ranked at zero.

Changes in ownership can lead to changes in priorities, with some physicians reporting decreased clinical autonomy and flexibility over their schedules.

The good news is that cardiologists are earning more than ever. Cardiologist compensation increased for the third year in a row, hitting its highest level this past year, according to MedAxiom’s data.

The need to address cardiologist burnout is more important than ever.

Increasing patient volumes, growing administrative burden, and decrease in autonomy are taking their toll on cardiologists. According to the 2023 Medscape Cardiologist Lifestyle, Happiness & Burnout Report, 43% of cardiologists reported that they were experiencing burnout, with 14% reporting that they were experiencing depression as well.

With the need for cardiologists projected to increase, it’s important that we address burnout by ensuring that cardiologists can continue to practice in a way that is sustainable for their mental and physical health.

Locums can help, by giving you more autonomy and flexibility in your cardiology practice.

If you’re feeling burnt out, locum tenens is a great way to continue practicing cardiology, while maintaining a good work-life balance and gaining more autonomy in your practice.

Here are just some of the benefits that locums cardiologists have reported:

  • Greater Flexibility: As a locums cardiologist, you can set your own schedule based on what works for your lifestyle. 
  • Higher pay: Locums providers often earn a higher rate than full-time hospital employees, so you can cut back without sacrificing your lifestyle. In many cases, you can earn a comparable amount for fewer hours than in a full-time role. 
  • Meaningful impact: locums cardiologists make a huge difference in communities suffering from physician shortages, by bringing their skills to patients who might not otherwise be able to access quality care.

Locums is a great option if you’re ready to slow down and work fewer hours, or if you’re looking to transition jobs, and want to take some time before committing to a full-time position. 

Though the demand for cardiologists continues to grow, the specialty continues to evolve to meet the needs of the patients—as do physicians! 

If you’re ready to make a change, we’re ready to help: our specialty-specific locums consultants have the skills and expertise to find the right fit for you.