From burnout to alcohol use: 7 notes on cardiologist well-being

Forty-six percent of cardiologists are experiencing depression, burnout or both, according to a Medscape survey published March 7. 

For its 2025 "Medscape Cardiologist Mental Health & Well-Being Report," Medscape surveyed 5,741 physicians across more than 29 specialties, including cardiology, between July 1 and Oct. 2.

Here are seven things to know from the survey: 

1. Compared to the previous three years:
   
   
   • Overall happiness improved for 16% of respondents, stayed the same for 53% and worsened for 31%.
     
     
   • Work-life balance improved for 23% of respondents, stayed the same for 41% and worsened for 36%.
     
     
   • Family relationships improved for 20% of respondents, stayed the same for 61% and worsened for 19%.
     
     
   • Friendships improved for 18% of respondents, stayed the same for 58% and worsened for 24%.
     
     
   • A larger percentage of millennial cardiologists reported improvements in overall happiness, work-life balance, family relationships and friendships compared to earlier generations.
     
     
2. Seventy-nine percent of respondents said happiness and work-life balance are attainable in cardiology.
   
   
3. Twenty-three percent of cardiologists reported being burnt out, 8% reported depression and 15% reported experiencing both burnout and depression.
   
   
4. When asked if they would take a pay cut in exchange for more personal time, 68% said yes.
   
   
5. Twenty-seven percent said their own health and wellness was a top priority, 50% said it was important and 21% said it was something they do not pay enough attention to.
   
   
6. In terms of other priorities:
   
   
   • Outside hobbies and interests had a high level of importance for 82% of respondents.
     
     
   • Vacation time was very important to 69% of respondents.
     
     
   • More personal and family time was very important to 74% of respondents.
     
     

7. Of the cardiologists surveyed, 15% said they are exercising more and 27% said they are exercising less than last year, 38% said they are trying to lose weight and 54% said they are trying to maintain weight, and 27% said they do not drink alcohol.

Read the full report here.