How to Be Cardiac Surgeon - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 9, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Cardiac surgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of heart diseases and conditions. The most common cause of the need for cardiac surgery is the development of coronary artery disease, which occurs when the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to a build-up of plaque. When this happens, it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms, and can eventually lead to a heart attack.

Cardiac surgeons can perform surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair and replacement, and septal defect closure to reduce the risk of further damage to the heart. Such surgeries can be life-saving and can help improve quality of life by relieving symptoms and reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. In addition, cardiac surgeons may also be involved in the diagnosis and management of other cardiac conditions such as arrhythmia and heart failure.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most medical schools require applicants to have earned a four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Courses in biology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, and English are recommended to prepare for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
Take the MCAT. This exam is designed to assess knowledge of the sciences and problem-solving skills. A good score on the MCAT is essential for admission to medical school.
Enroll in Medical School. Medical school programs typically last four years and include both classroom instruction and clinical rotations in various medical specialties such as cardiology, surgery, and anesthesia. During the fourth year of medical school, prospective cardiac surgeons complete a surgical rotation and may also have the opportunity to observe cardiac surgery procedures.
Obtain a Medical License. After graduating from medical school, prospective cardiac surgeons must complete a residency program in cardiothoracic surgery. This typically lasts three to four years and includes hands-on training in the operating room and in the intensive care unit. Upon completion of a residency program, individuals must pass a state licensing exam to practice medicine.
Become Board Certified. Cardiac surgeons must become board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS). To qualify for certification, individuals must complete a minimum of two years of practice after their residency program and pass both written and oral exams.
Pursue Advanced Training. After becoming board certified, some cardiac surgeons pursue additional training in a specialized area such as pediatric cardiac surgery or transplant surgery. Many cardiac surgeons also pursue research opportunities or fellowships in order to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.

Cardiac surgeons are specialized doctors who perform surgeries on the heart and blood vessels. To become an ideal and qualified cardiac surgeon, they require a considerable amount of education, dedication and skill. A doctor must complete four years of medical school and then undertake five to six years of intensive training in general surgery followed by another two to three years of specialized training in cardiac surgery.

With such a high level of training, cardiac surgeons learn the principles of cardiology, techniques for diagnosing and treating cardiac problems, and the skills to perform complex operations on the heart and its surrounding vessels. Furthermore, they must also stay up to date with the latest advancements in cardiac surgery, as well as maintain their medical license. Thus, it is clear that becoming an ideal and qualified cardiac surgeon requires a great deal of dedication and expertise.

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Job Description

Evaluate and diagnose cardiac conditions and diseases.
Perform invasive, minimally-invasive, and non-invasive cardiac surgical procedures.
Consult with other physicians, nurses and allied health personnel to coordinate patient care.
Perform pre-operative consultation and post-operative follow-up on patients.
Perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, stress tests, and angiograms.
Monitor vital signs, blood pressure, and other patient data.
Research and develop new surgical techniques and treatments.
Educate patients and their families on pre-operative instructions, post-operative instructions, and lifestyle changes.
Manage resources to ensure cost effectiveness and sustainability of patient care.
Participate in continuing education programs to stay up to date with advances in the field of cardiac surgery.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
Expertise in performing diagnostic tests and procedures related to cardiovascular disease
Ability to interpret test results and diagnose cardiac conditions
Expertise in performing open-heart surgery, including coronary bypass, valve repair/replacement, and aortic surgery
Ability to perform minimally-invasive catheter-based procedures, such as angioplasty, stent implantation, and device closure
Knowledge of postoperative care and management of cardiac surgical patients
Ability to consult with other healthcare professionals, such as cardiologists, nurses, and anesthesiologists
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in using medical technology and equipment
Knowledge of current trends in cardiac surgery and research

Good communication skills are essential for a successful cardiac surgeon. Effective communication enables the surgeon to collaborate with patients and their families, providing information and developing trust. Furthermore, it helps the surgeon work well with colleagues and other medical staff, coordinating care and ensuring the best outcomes for the patient.

Being able to explain complex medical information in layman's terms is also a valuable asset, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care. A good surgeon should also have excellent decision-making skills and the ability to think on their feet in emergency situations. Lastly, a cardiac surgeon needs to possess excellent technical skills, including the ability to use advanced medical equipment and devices.

Having these qualities allows cardiac surgeons to provide the highest level of care while minimizing risks.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a cardiac surgeon?
What experience do you have with diagnosing, treating, and managing cardiac conditions?
How would you handle a difficult situation where a patients condition is worsening despite your best efforts?
What methods do you use to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in cardiac surgery?
How do you handle complex ethical and legal decisions that arise in the course of your job?
Describe how you handle stress and long hours in a demanding job like cardiac surgery.
What techniques do you use to ensure a successful recovery for your patients?
How do you stay organized and efficient while managing a full caseload of cardiac surgeries?
What challenges have you faced in your career as a cardiac surgeon?
How do you foster a positive, collaborative working environment with other healthcare professionals?

Common Tools in Industry

Forceps. A surgical instrument used to hold, cut, or manipulate tissue. (e. g. used to hold vessels during a cardiac bypass surgery)
Scalpel. A small, sharp knife used for cutting tissue. (e. g. used to create incisions in the chest during a heart valve replacement)
Retractor. A surgical tool used to hold back or retract tissue or organs. (e. g. used to retract the ribs during an open heart surgery)
Needle Driver. A tool used to hold and manipulate sutures. (e. g. used to tie off vessels during a coronary artery bypass graft)
Suction. A device used to remove fluid or tissue from an area. (e. g. used to remove blood from the surgical field during a heart transplant)
Clamps. A device used to hold tissue or organs in place during surgery. (e. g. used to clamp the aorta during a coronary artery bypass graft)
Stents. A medical device used to help keep an artery open after surgery or other treatments. (e. g. used to keep a coronary artery open after a stent placement procedure)
Surgical Stapler. A device used to quickly close wounds with staples instead of sutures. (e. g. used to close the chest during heart valve replacement surgery)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Cardiology
American Heart Association
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
American Association for Thoracic Surgery
European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery
The World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery
The Asian Pacific Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery

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Common Important Terms

Cardiac Catheterization. A procedure in which a narrow tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel, usually in the groin or arm, and threaded up to the heart.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. A surgical procedure that uses vessels taken from other parts of the body to reroute blood around blocked or narrowed coronary arteries.
Cardiothoracic Surgery. A type of surgery on the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest cavity.
Angioplasty. A procedure in which a balloon-tipped catheter is inserted into a blocked or narrowed artery to open it and improve blood flow.
Pacemaker. A device that helps the heart beat in a regular rhythm by delivering electrical pulses.
Aortic Valve Replacement. A surgical procedure to replace a narrowed or leaky aortic valve with an artificial valve.
Cardiac Stenting. A procedure in which a small metal mesh tube (stent) is inserted into a blocked or narrowed artery to open it and improve blood flow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cardiac Surgeon?

A Cardiac Surgeon is a medical specialist who is trained to perform surgery on the heart and its surrounding structures, such as the lungs, blood vessels and valves.

How long does it take to become a Cardiac Surgeon?

Becoming a Cardiac Surgeon requires significant time and dedication. It typically takes between 12-14 years of education and training after completing medical school, including 4 years of medical school, 5 years of general surgical residency and 3-4 years of cardiothoracic surgery residency.

What conditions do Cardiac Surgeons treat?

Cardiac Surgeons treat a wide range of cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, congenital heart defects, heart valve disease, aneurysms and arrhythmias.

What procedures do Cardiac Surgeons perform?

Cardiac Surgeons perform a variety of procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, heart transplantation and minimally invasive procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).