Why would anyone want to become a cardiologist these days?

The above question was asked by a sincere second-year medical resident who was struggling with the decision regarding career choices. Advice received by many, including the Chairman of Medicine, was to become an internist/primary care physician in order to maximize the probability of future employment security. This advice sounds very convincing in today’s marketplace and seems to be supported by data and recommendations of many national and local bodies. Even the pages of this Journal have outlined the difficult problems faced by cardiologists and other subspecialists. The question is a critically important one for young house officers and deserves a thoughtful response. Some of my ideas are outlined below: