- Like all medical doctors (M.D.) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (D.O.), pediatric cardiologists complete four years of college, four years of medical school, and six to eight years of residency and internship. During the residency years, pediatric cardiologists further their studies of pediatrics and focus on conditions of the heart in children.
- According to the American College of Pediatrics, pediatric cardiologists evaluate and monitor infants and children for the development of heart problems. Heart murmurs are evaluated by pediatric cardiologists, who determine if the condition is problematic or will heal on its on. Pediatric cardiologists also work as consultants to other surgeons and doctors in the field of pediatrics. In most cases, heart surgeons work closely with pediatric cardiologists in the treatment of heart problems in infants and children.
- Depending on the condition, pediatric cardiologists can specialize in consulting and treating particular heart-related conditions in children. For example, the Mayo Clinic website states that its pediatric cardiologists treat congenital valve problems (those conditions affecting the major valves of the heart that an infant is born with), in addition to myocarditis, a thickening of the muscular tissue that lines the heart. Pediatric cardiologists can also specialize in consulting and researching heart transplant procedures.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pediatricians make up 7.5 percent of all practicing doctors. Jobs-Salary.com reports that pediatric cardiologists can make anywhere from $90,000 a year to $275,000 (or more) each year (date range for this data is 2005 to 2008). The reason for this difference depends on the facility in which the pediatric cardiologist works (pediatric cardiologists with their own practices tend to earn more than pediatric cardiologists who work in clinics) and the number of years they have been practicing.
- In addition to the American College of Cardiology, pediatric cardiologists are also members of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Board of Pediatrics. The American Academy of Pediatrics also offers individual chapters located in each state. Pediatric cardiologists can also become members of various medical associations depending on region or specialty.
