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

Apr 14, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Cardiothoracic surgery is a complex field of medicine that involves the surgical repair of organs in the chest, such as the heart and lungs. Cardiothoracic surgeons must have extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as an in-depth understanding of the body's various organs and systems. One of the effects of this specialized medical training is that cardiothoracic surgeons are able to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest cavity.

These conditions may include coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, and more. Cardiothoracic surgeons may also perform procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (MICS), valve repair or replacement surgery, thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, and lung transplantation. The end result of a successful cardiothoracic surgery is improved quality of life and better overall health for the patient.

Steps How to Become

Complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or a related field.
Take and pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
Complete a 4-year medical school program.
Complete a 5-year residency in general surgery.
Complete a 2-3 year fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery.
Obtain a state medical license.
Become board certified in cardiothoracic surgery by passing the American Board of Thoracic Surgery examination.

Cardiothoracic surgeons need to stay up to date and efficient in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. To do this, they must regularly attend conferences and seminars to learn about new developments in the field, take continuing medical education courses to stay current with the latest treatments and procedures, and keep abreast of new technologies and equipment. they should keep up with the latest research and developments in the field through reading journals, textbooks, and other literature.

Finally, they should maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating right and getting plenty of exercise, in order to have the mental and physical energy necessary to be the best possible practitioner. By taking these steps, cardiothoracic surgeons can ensure that they are providing the highest quality of care for their patients.

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Job Description

Perform surgeries on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest
Diagnose and treat diseases of the chest, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and emphysema
Perform complex open-heart surgeries and other cardiothoracic operations
Design and implement postoperative care plans for patients
Monitor patient recovery and progress
Educate patients on lifestyle changes to maintain good health
Evaluate patient history, physical condition, and test results to diagnose medical conditions
Consult with other medical professionals regarding patient care decisions
Prescribe medications and treatments to improve patient outcomes
Maintain accurate records of patient care and progress

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical terminology, physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology
Expertise in the use of diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures
Proficiency in all types of cardiac surgery, including open-heart surgery, endoscopic surgery, and transcatheter interventions
Ability to diagnose and treat a wide range of cardiothoracic diseases
Expertise in preoperative evaluation and patient preparation
Knowledge of cardiac monitoring and diagnosis including electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and other specialized testing
Ability to manage a variety of complex and challenging medical conditions
Skilled in providing patient education on surgical and lifestyle options
Ability to collaborate with other medical professionals to coordinate patient care
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations related to cardiothoracic surgery

Cardiothoracic surgery is a highly specialized field of medicine, requiring extensive knowledge and skill. The most important skill a cardiothoracic surgeon must possess is the ability to assess a patients condition and make quick decisions based on that assessment. This requires an in-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, as well as the ability to interpret diagnostic tests and accurately assess the patient.

the surgeon must have excellent technical skills to perform complex procedures, such as bypass surgery, heart valve repairs, and lung resections. Lastly, an essential skill for a cardiothoracic surgeon is the ability to stay calm and composed in stressful situations, as this can help ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. By possessing all of these skills, a cardiothoracic surgeon can provide the highest level of care to their patients and ensure their safety during surgery.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
What experience do you have in performing Cardiothoracic surgeries?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in Cardiothoracic Surgery?
Describe a challenging case you encountered in Cardiothoracic Surgery and how you managed it.
What procedures do you feel comfortable performing independently as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?
How do you prioritize patient care and safety in the OR?
What strategies do you use to explain complex medical information to patients?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and their families?
What experience do you have in managing OR staff and delegating tasks?
How do you handle stress and difficult decisions in the operating room?

Common Tools in Industry

Surgical Stapler. A device used to clamp tissue together, allowing for a more secure and less invasive closure of an incision. (eg: Ethicon Endo-Surgery Echelon Flex Powered Stapler)
Thoracoscope. A device used to view the internal structures of the chest cavity and perform minimally invasive surgeries. (eg: Karl Storz Image 1 HD® Thoracoscope)
Ultrasonic Scalpel. A device used to cut tissue using ultrasonic energy rather than a traditional blade. (eg: Ethicon Harmonic Scalpel®)
Vessel Sealer. A device used to seal off blood vessels or other tissue with minimal heat and minimal trauma. (eg: LigaSure Vessel Sealing System)
Chest Tube System. A device used to drain fluid from the chest cavity and assist with healing after chest surgery. (eg: Portex Blue Line Chest Tube System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Thoracic Surgery
American College of Cardiology
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery
Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons
Asian Pacific Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Latin American Society of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery Network
World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery

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Common Important Terms

Thoracic Surgery. Surgery of the chest and thoracic organs, including the lungs, esophagus, heart, and chest wall.
Cardiac Surgery. Surgery of the heart and its major vessels, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and valve repair or replacement.
Endovascular Surgery. A minimally invasive approach to surgical treatment of vascular diseases, using catheters and other instruments inserted directly into a blood vessel.
Thoracoscopy. A procedure that uses a tiny camera and surgical instruments inserted through small incisions in the chest wall to diagnose and treat chest conditions.
Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs). Artificial pumps that help the heart pump blood.
Transplant Surgery. The surgical procedure used to replace a damaged organ with a healthy one from a donor.
Bronchoscopy. A procedure that uses a flexible tube with a lighted camera to examine the airways, diagnose lung problems, and remove foreign objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of medical specialty is Cardiothoracic Surgery?

Cardiothoracic Surgery is a subspecialty of surgery that focuses on the organs of the chest, including the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest cavity.

What types of procedures do Cardiothoracic Surgeons perform?

Cardiothoracic Surgeons perform a variety of surgical procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair or replacement, thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, and lung resection for cancer.

How many years of training is required to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

Cardiothoracic Surgeons must complete at least five years of general surgery residency training and three years of specialized cardiothoracic training to become certified in this specialty.

What is the median salary for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

According to PayScale.com, the median salary for a Cardiothoracic Surgeon is $388,341 per year.

What organizations certify Cardiothoracic Surgeons?

Cardiothoracic Surgeons can be certified by either the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Canada).

Web Resources

Cardiothoracic Surgery - Stanford University School of med.stanford.edu
Home | Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery | Washington cardiothoracicsurgery.wustl.edu
Cardiothoracic Surgery | Medical School med.umn.edu