This document summarizes the opportunities and tradeoffs of an academic cardiology career versus private practice for a cardiology fellow. An academic career offers opportunities for research, teaching, mentorship, and career development but with less salary and flexibility. Private practice offers higher salary, autonomy, and the ability to focus solely on clinical work but this model is changing as practices consolidate within larger health systems. The document concludes that there is no right choice and the fellow should choose based on their own goals.

1. Cardiology fellow
AT CROSS ROAD

2. Now or later or crossover
Academic Cardiology Private Practice Cardiology
Opportunities for investigative grant-funded original research/trials
Opportunity for 100% clinical practice with no expectations to participate in
research
Tertiary-/Quaternary care of patients under consideration for advanced or
experimental therapies
Flexibility in clinical practice pattern/style as well as greater geographic options for
future job opportunities
Participation in education and training of residents and fellows Greater salary compensation
Non-salary benefits (i.e., discounted college tuition rates for children of faculty);
scheduled academic time; funded professional travel
Opportunities to participate in industry-based research
Mentorship with senior faculty or colleagues at other academic institutions to
further research interests and career goals
Interest in medical economics and the business aspects of growing a private practice
Participation in administration and policy Physician Autonomy

3. Private Practice is changing
The term ‘private practice’ is gradually becoming obsolete. Solo-
practitioners and medium-sized groups are merging into larger groups
or being bought by growing health systems. While the traditional
concept of private practice may continue to thrive in certain regions of
the United States, the vast majority of cardiologists formerly in private
practice will eventually become health system employed or part of a
larger group. Understanding how these changes will impact income
potential, professional growth and accessibility to cutting-edge
cardiovascular therapeutics is essential for those committed to the
current concept of a private practice career. It is like a parallel
Government

4. There is no right or wrong choice
The choice between academic or private practice careers in cardiology
is about selecting the opportunity that best suits your goals

5. Choose one