Cardiologist shortages projected to worsen (USA)

"Cardiology faces decades of workforce shortages that are likely to worsen as an aging, overweight, and diabetic population increases demand for their services, according to a new survey. There are currently 3,000 too few cardiologists to fill open private-practice and academic positions, and the group projected the shortfall will rise to 16,000 by 2050, researchers reported in the September 22 Journal of the American College of Cardiology. To put this gap in perspective, only 750 to 800 new cardiologists rank with the 24,000 already in practice, noted George P. Rodgers, MD, chair of the ACC survey task force and a cardiologist in private practice in Austin, Texas. But it's not a pipeline problem, Rodgers' group reported: Plenty of young physicians apply for the fellowships required to enter the specialty, but there are 50 percent more applicants than spots available." - Work Force