Cardiovascular Surgeons Vs. Cardiologists

Cardiovascular surgeons and cardiologists are types of physicians that specialize in the treatment of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. However, there are significant differences in the nature of the work each group does and the educational paths to get there.

Education

• The education of a cardiologist includes completion of medical school, a three-year internal medicine residency and a two-year cardiology residency. A cardiovascular surgeon's education also includes medical school; however, the general surgical residency is five years, followed by a two-year residency in cardiothoracic surgery.

Certification

• Cardiologists receive board certification in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease medicine from the American Board of Internal Medicine. Cardiovascular surgeons receive board certification in general surgery from the American Board of Surgeons, and in cardiothoracic surgery from the American Board of Medical Specialists.

Cardiologist Duties

• Cardiologists are tasked with the diagnosis and care management of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. They work primarily through testing, medications to control diseases or symptoms, and non-invasive procedures.

Cardiovascular Surgeon Duties

• Cardiovascular surgeons are tasked with assessing whether patients warrant and are qualified for surgical procedures to correct or manage conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular surgeons perform invasive procedures such as open-heart surgery and blood vessel repair.

Duration of Care

• Cardiologists tend to be involved with long-term patient care, while cardiovascular surgeons' care tends to be limited to the surgical experience.