Cardiologists

Cardiologists who work in a managed-care setting or for a large group or corporation can try to advance by opening a private practice, but major changes, over the last decade, in the economics of healthcare industry and the currently high costs of opening a private practice make such an advancement route problematic. The average cardiologist in private practice does not advance in the accustomed sense of the word. They advance in skill and understanding, complexity of patient cases managed, in numbers of patients, medical research conducted and in income. They may be made a fellow in a professional specialty, or get elected to an important office in the American Medical Association, the American College of Cardiology or American Osteopathic Association. Advancement may also result from obtaining teaching and research positions may also increase a physician's status.

Some physicians may become directors of a laboratory, managed-care facility, hospital department, or medical school program. Some may move into hospital administration positions.

A physician can achieve recognition by conducting research in new medicines, treatments, and cures, and publishing their findings in medical journals. Participation in professional organizations can also bring prestige.

A physician can advance by pursuing further education in a subspecialty or a second field such as biochemistry or microbiology.