The survey, reported in the European Heart Journal looked at the situation with regard to the cardiology labour force at the end of 2000. The researchers also compared their findings with those of an earlier survey depicting the situation at the end of 1997.
Taking the figure of 50 cardiologists per million inhabitants identified as being optimal by a recent task force of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology, the researchers found that several countries fell short. For example, the UK, at the end of 2000, had 12 Cardiologists per million inhabitants, and Ireland had 7 cardiologists per million inhabitants. Germany and Finland were also rated as 'very low', i.e. fewer than 30 cardiologists per million inhabitants.
Commenting on their findings, the researchers stated:"These numerous countries with very few cardiologists should be aware that they could run into - or already suffer- a lack of cardiologists for the optimal, or indeed adequate, management of their patients with heart diseases. In these countries, more training facilities must be created or cardiologists 'imported' from abroad.
Reference
Block, P. Weber, H. Kearjney, P 2003 'Manpower in cardiology II in western and central Europe' European Heart Journal vol 24. PP. 299-310.