In addition to the standard requirement of a bachelor's degree and 4 years of medical training, a cardiologist must also complete a three-year internship, plus an additional three to four years . training aimed at the specific skills that a cardiologist needs in the exercise of his duties. Cardiologists, given the importance and sensitivity of the work they perform, are among the highest paid physicians, their salaries being exceeded only by most cardiovascular surgeons. (HEALTH CARE CAREERS,