Paediatric cardiologists are subspecialist paediatricians who diagnose and manage congenital and acquired cardiac and cardiovascular conditions and multisystem disorders.

It is a diverse field of paediatrics that involves working closely with specialist colleagues in multidisciplinary teams to provide patient- and family-centred care for perinates, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults who present with complex cardiac conditions across the developmental continuum.

A career in paediatric cardiology is both challenging and rewarding. It involves dealing with complex and technically demanding medical issues, and also provides much personal and professional satisfaction.

Paediatric cardiologists:

Diagnose and manage patients with a broad range of cardiac and cardiovascular conditions, including structural and congenital heart disease, acquired heart disease, rhythm disturbances, conditions affecting circulatory function, and other genetic or systemic disorders affecting the cardiovascular system.

Provide care across a variety of settings and tailor expertise to the context that meets the needs of each individual patient. This could range from delivering acute care in emergency and intensive care situations to managing the long-term care of patients with congenital or life-limiting cardiac conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Perform procedures and investigations and apply the latest evidence-based technologies to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage cardiac conditions. In some settings, paediatric cardiologists may perform interventional procedures.

Work closely with patients*, their families and/or carers to manage and support their transition from paediatric through to adult care. Paediatric cardiologists also establish enduring professional relationships with patients and their families, and provide appropriate advice and support to optimise the long-term management and outcomes of each individual patient.

Have the opportunity to explore special clinical and academic interest areas, including:

  • cardiac catheterisation and intervention
  • cardiac genetics
  • congenital heart disease (paediatrics and adult)
  • electrophysiology
  • fetal cardiology
  • heart failure and transplantation
  • imaging
  • intensive cardiac care.

In addition to their specialist expertise, paediatric cardiologists are strong problem solvers who work well under pressure. Day to day paediatric cardiologists use their organisational ability and communication skills to manage relationships with colleagues, patients, and their families, to:

  • Coordinate patient care and work as an integral member of multidisciplinary teams

    Paediatric cardiologists work collaboratively with other health professionals to make balanced and objective clinical decisions, and ensure each patient receives the best available treatment and management. In many hospitals, paediatric cardiologists work alongside emergency and intensive care medicine physicians to fast-track and coordinate the care of children with congenital and acquired heart disease from the outset.

  • Advocate for patients and communities

    Paediatric cardiologists apply a biopsychosocial approach to ensure the delivery of efficient, cost effective, and safe care for the benefit of their patients and communities, and advocate for the equitable distribution of resources to combat prevailing health inequities and improve the health outcomes of all patients. Many also provide outreach consulting services to regional and rural centres.

  • Apply a scholarly approach to clinical decision making

    Paediatric cardiologists conduct and apply academic research to make evidence-based decisions that improve the treatment and management of their patients. Several academic and research opportunities exist within paediatric cardiology, particularly in the areas of clinical epidemiology and health systems performance.

  • Contribute to workforce development

    Paediatric cardiology is a relatively small but highly skilled and collegiate workforce committed to maintaining lifelong excellence in practice through continuous professional development, and fostering the learning of others through mentoring, supervision, and teaching.

*References to patients in the remainder of this document may include their families or carers.

Last modified: Friday, 6 September 2024, 2:21 PM