Current Situation of Cardiologists in our Country. Health Policy Area Survey Results

pp. 327-332

Abstract

Background: The current crisis in the national healthcare system is impacting on the development of cardiology practice.

Objectives: To know the current situation of cardiologists in their professional practice in terms of working conditions, sat­isfaction with their salaries and their representation by the Argentine Society of Cardiology, and their opinion on forms of continuing medical education.

Methods: A closed anonymous survey was sent via the Society corporate email, social networks, and direct WhatsApp contacts. The RedCap platform was used. The Likert scale was implemented in multiple choice answers.

Results: A total of 393 cardiologists were surveyed; 27% were female. The mean age was 56±9 years. Fifty percent of cardi­ologists worked in public or private healthcare institutions without medical residency, an average of 40±10 hours per week. A high percentage believed it would be useful to create care networks for main diseases. More than 90% felt that they are not adequately paid and that they are not properly represented by the trade union. A total of 89.9% considered that the medical residency is the best system of training. Between 76.1% and 80.2% were in favor of completing the residency with a doctorate or master's degree, respectively. Finally, 53% agreed with the need for recertification.

Conclusions: Medical professional practice is evenly distributed between public and private institutions, with and without medical residency. Most cardiologists do not work in care networks, but a high percentage express the need and willingness to do so.

Most cardiologists are dissatisfied with their salaries, and also feel they lack an adequate trade union representation.

Regarding postgraduate education and training, as in previous surveys, it is confirmed that the medical residency is the best system of training and it should be complemented

How to cite this article:

Novielli DS, Pomes Iparraguirre H, Sokn FJ, Kevorkian R, Rapallo C, Caccavo A, y cols.  Current Situation of Cardiologists in our Country. Health Policy Area Survey Results. Rev Argent Cardiol 2024;92:327-32. http://dx.doi.org/10.7775/rac.v92.i5.20813