Abstract 4145246: Regional Disparities in the Cardiology Workforce: Insights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Background: Access to cardiology services remains a persistent challenge. Identifying regional disparities in the workforce can help inform healthcare policies toward equitable access of cardiologists. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, focusing on employment estimates, mean wages, and location quotients (LQs) for cardiologists. Data was aggregated at national, state, and metropolitan levels. Results: Nationally, 15,190 cardiologists were employed, with a mean annual wage of $421,330. Regional disparities in wages were apparent, with Northeastern states like New York ($402,840), New Jersey ($331,430), and Connecticut ($381,730) offering higher salaries while states like Utah ($267,030) and South Carolina ($287,360). The states with the highest LQs were Connecticut (2.47), Rhode Island (2.46), and Delaware (2.07) while Louisiana (0.16), South Carolina (0.22), and Utah (0.29) had the lowest LQS. Urban areas like Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH (1.39) and New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA (2.14) demonstrate robust demand, while regions like Cedar Rapids, IA (3.28) and Winchester, VA-WV (4.63) display concentrated demand despite lower employment figures. Conclusion: Significant regional gaps in cardiologist employment and compensation exist across the U.S., particularly pronounced in urban centers with advanced healthcare infrastructure. States with historically lower health outcomes, such as Mississippi and West Virginia, also had lower LQs highlighting the ongoing demand for specialized care, such as cardiology. States like Utah, which rank highly in many health outcomes, show low demand for cardiologists despite a low LQ, indicating a healthcare system meeting patient demands. By aligning healthcare resources with the specific needs of each region, policymakers can work toward achieving more equitable healthcare access and improved health outcomes nationwide.