Rethink retirement: plan a second career in cardiology.

A physician shortage in cardiology has prompted the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to establish a task force to study and recommend workforce solutions. Recent reports from the federal government, the media, and physician recruiters suggest that fellows entering the field of cardiology cannot keep pace with the replacement of veteran cardiovascular (CV) physicians who are retiring. But one factor, perhaps most within our power to influence or change, is the relatively new phenomenon of early retirement from cardiology practice. This exit from the profession is draining and adversely affecting our CV workforce, already under stress. For a moment, consider the opportunities that exist in cardiology after retirement: