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

Feb 19, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Thoracic surgery, which focuses on the chest and its organs, can have a profoundly positive effect on the quality and length of life of the patient. By surgically operating on the lungs, heart, and other organs in the chest, thoracic surgeons can treat a wide range of conditions, including lung cancer, heart disease, and esophageal disorders. The successful outcome of thoracic surgery depends on multiple factors, including the experience and skill of the surgeon, the use of advanced technology, and the patient's overall health before and after the procedure. The benefits of thoracic surgery include improved breathing, reduced pain, improved lifestyle, and in some cases, prevention of future medical issues.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a thoracic surgeon is to earn a bachelor's degree in a pre-med major, such as biology or chemistry.
Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). After graduating from college, you'll need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to apply to medical school.
Complete a Medical Degree. After being accepted into medical school, you'll need to complete four years of medical school to earn your medical degree.
Complete a Residency. Following medical school, you'll need to complete a five-year residency in general surgery.
Complete a Fellowship. After completing your general surgery residency, you'll need to complete an additional two-year fellowship in thoracic surgery.
Obtain Board Certification. After completing your fellowship, you'll need to pass the American Board of Thoracic Surgery Exam in order to be board certified.

Staying up to date and capable as a thoracic surgeon requires dedication to continuing education and training. Attending professional conferences and seminars, taking part in research projects, and keeping up with the latest advancements in technology and medicine are essential in order to stay abreast of current trends. staying current with new medical treatments and procedures and participating in continuing medical education courses are necessary for a thoracic surgeon to stay competent.

Finally, building relationships with other thoracic surgeons can help ensure that the latest information is shared and discussed among peers. By engaging in these activities, a thoracic surgeon can remain knowledgeable, capable, and confident in their practice.

You may want to check Reconstructive Surgeon, Vascular Surgeon, and Transplant Surgeon for alternative.

Job Description

Diagnose and treat diseases, including cancer, of the chest, lungs, esophagus, diaphragm, and other organs in the chest area.
Perform chest surgeries including thoracotomy, mediastinoscopy, lobectomy, pulmonary resection, and esophagectomy.
Manage chest trauma, including rib fractures and pneumothorax.
Perform minimally invasive thoracic surgery techniques such as VATS (Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery).
Place chest tubes and perform chest drainage procedures.
Work in collaboration with other medical specialists (e. g. oncologists, radiologists, pulmonologists) to provide comprehensive patient care.
Educate patients and their families about treatments and preventive healthcare.
Monitor patient recovery and adjust treatments as needed.
Keep detailed records of patient care and treatments.
Stay up to date with advances in thoracic surgery techniques and technology.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of current thoracic surgical techniques and procedures
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
Advanced technical skills to perform complex surgical procedures
Ability to work independently and as part of a medical team
Critical thinking and problem solving skills
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to manage stress and make quick decisions
Knowledge of safety protocols and regulatory requirements
Knowledge of computer systems and medical software

Having the right skill set as a thoracic surgeon is essential to providing quality care to patients. A thoracic surgeon must possess excellent surgical skills, have knowledge of anatomy and physiology, be able to diagnose and treat diseases, and have excellent communication skills. Thoracic surgeons must also have an in-depth understanding of cardiopulmonary physiology and the ability to interpret diagnostic studies related to the chest.

In addition, they must be able to make decisions quickly and efficiently when performing operations. The ability to work collaboratively with other medical professionals is also important for a thoracic surgeon. Working together as a team is vital for providing the best possible care to patients.

Lastly, a thoracic surgeon must be able to provide post-operative follow-up care and be willing to stay up-to-date with new developments and techniques in their field. Having the right skill set is the key for a successful thoracic surgeon in order to ensure optimal patient care.

Bariatric Surgeon, Pediatric Surgeon, and Gastrointestinal Surgeon are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in thoracic surgery?
What experience do you have in performing thoracic surgeries?
How do you stay current with the latest developments in thoracic surgery?
What challenges have you faced in your practice, and how did you overcome them?
Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision in the operating room.
What do you feel sets you apart from other thoracic surgeons?
How would you handle a patient who is not following your post-operative instructions?
How do you manage stress during long surgical procedures?
Do you have any experience with minimally invasive thoracic surgery procedures?
What techniques do you use to ensure that all patients receive the best possible care?

Common Tools in Industry

Thoracoscope. An instrument used to view the internal organs of the thorax during surgery. (Eg: Used to perform minimally invasive thoracic surgery. )
Surgical Stapler. An instrument used to join and seal tissue. (Eg: Used to close incisions and seal blood vessels during thoracic surgery. )
Thoracic Retractor. A device used to retract the ribs and other tissue to provide an unobstructed view of the thoracic cavity. (Eg: Used to expose the chest for thoracic surgery. )
Thoracic Saws. Specialized saws used to cut through bone and cartilage. (Eg: Used to remove ribs or sections of the sternum during thoracic surgery. )
Thoracic Drainage Catheter. A tube inserted into the pleural cavity for draining fluid or gas. (Eg: Used to remove excess fluids or air from the lungs during thoracic surgery. )

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association for Thoracic Surgery
Society of Thoracic Surgeons
American College of Chest Physicians
European Society of Thoracic Surgeons
World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery
International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery
International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
Asia Pacific Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons

We also have Gynecologic Surgeon, Cardiac Surgeon, and General Surgeon jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Thoracoscopy. A surgical procedure that uses a thin, lighted tube to look inside the chest.
Thoracotomy. An incision made between the ribs in order to gain access to the chest cavity.
Pulmonary Resection. The surgical removal of a section of the lung.
Lung Transplantation. The surgical procedure of replacing a diseased lung with a healthy one from a donor.
Mediastinoscopy. A medical procedure in which a thin, lighted tube is inserted between the breastbone and the spine to examine the lymph nodes and other structures in the chest.
Pleurodesis. A surgical procedure performed to create adhesion between the layers lining the chest cavity to prevent a pleural effusion (fluid buildup).
Lobectomy. The surgical removal of an entire lobe of the lung.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass. A technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery.
Esophagectomy. The surgical removal of all or part of the esophagus.
Thoracostomy. A surgical procedure to create an opening in the chest wall to facilitate drainage from the chest cavity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Thoracic Surgeon? A1: A Thoracic Surgeon is a medical professional who specializes in surgeries and treatments related to the chest, lungs, esophagus and other organs in the chest cavity. Q2: What type of training does a Thoracic Surgeon have? A2: A Thoracic Surgeon typically has at least five years of specialized surgical training after completing medical school, as well as a minimum of three years of residency training in general surgery. Q3: What types of procedures does a Thoracic Surgeon perform? A3: Thoracic Surgeons perform a wide range of procedures, including lung transplants, VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery), thoracic surgery for cancer, thoracic surgery for trauma, and reconstructive surgery to repair damage to the chest wall. Q4: What are the risks associated with Thoracic Surgery? A4: The risks associated with Thoracic Surgery vary depending on the procedure being performed, but can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and damage to the surrounding tissue. Q5: What is the average salary for a Thoracic Surgeon? A5: The average salary for a Thoracic Surgeon is typically between $350,000 and $600,000 per year.