Methods: Heart surgery and cardiology centers were identified based upon data from the Ministry of Health. A generic questionnaire regarding the services provided was distributed to each center and the feedback data was collated. According to the data obtained, the distribution of the state run, university and private hospitals in Turkey was evaluated and the efficiency of these clinics was investigated. The numbers of cardiovascular surgeons, cardiology specialists, and residents were determined. The number of new specialists expected to be reached in the upcoming years was calculated.

Results: Heart surgery and angiography services are provided in 46 cities in our country. There are 207 centers in total, and there is one center per 350.537 individuals which provides this service. Congenital, heart surgery is being performed in 22 centers across nine cities. Overall 66.105 cardiac operations and 333.000 coronary angiographies were performed, and there were 987 cardiovascular surgery specialists and 474 residents present in these centers between January 2009 and December 2009 who were continuing training. By 2016, the total number of fully trained cardiovascular surgeons is expected to be approximately 1.400.

Conclusion: This study has shown that within the next 15 years, the number of cardiovascular centers and specialists will outweigh the demand. We believe that the Ministry of Health intends to solve these problems regarding the distribution and efficiency of the services provided by the centers by implementing a well-devised plan of action.