| Aspect | Attending Cardiologist | Cardiovascular Fellow |
|---|
| Credentials | Medical degree, board-certified in cardiology, licensed physician | Medical degree, completing cardiology fellowship, board-eligible |
| Work Environment | Hospitals, clinics, private practices, overseeing patient care | Hospitals, academic centers, training under supervision |
| Role | Provides expert cardiology care, makes final diagnoses, manages treatment | Specialized training, gaining experience, assisting in patient care |
The main difference is that an Attending Cardiologist is a fully qualified, board-certified physician responsible for patient care, while a Cardiovascular Fellow is in training, gaining specialized experience under supervision. Fellows are in the process of becoming Attending Cardiologists, who hold the ultimate responsibility for patient management.