Is there a difference between a cardiologist and a vascular surgeon?

Oh my, yes!: I agree that the lines of distinction have become blurred due to the rapid adoption of catheter, balloon and stent techniques by vascular surgeons, known as endovascular surgery, but vascular surgeon also have been trained to perform open surgical procedures in the operating room such as carotid endarterectomy, femoral to popliteal artery bypass, open aneurysm repair and more.

Huge Difference: There is a huge difference between a cardiologist ; a vascular surgeon. A cardiologist does not have any formal surgery training. A cardiologist is a internal medicine doctor who has done additional training in heart conditions. A vascular surgeon is a blood vessel specialist who specializes in treating diseases of arteries ; veins and performs vascular ; vein interventions. Cardiology = heart.