1. (1) The role of the private physician in the care of the ambulatory cardiac patient has been altered by advances in our knowledge of heart disease and by changes in the hierarchy of medical care for the heart patient. 2. (2) The physician who enjoys caring for the ambulatory cardiac patient has certain personality qualities, including an interest in people, patience, and understanding. 3. (3) In the rheumatic and congenital heart disease groups, there is room for improvement in both case detection and rheumatic fever prophylaxis. 4. (4) Good care of both young and adult cardiac patients requires attention to nonmedical factors and in some cases a consideration of the desirability of referral to appropriate community agencies. 5. (5) A recurring theme in all phases of care of the ambulatory cardiac patient is the need for a good explanation to the patient of all phases of his problem.