How to Become a Heart Surgeon: Steps, Education & Career Guide

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to common questions about the career:

What are the subspecialties within cardiothoracic surgery?

Once you have finished the cardiothoracic training pathway, you have the option to apply to subspecialties in cardiothoracic surgery, such as:

• Congenital cardiac surgery
• Transplant surgery
• Thoracic aortic and endovascular surgery

All these areas require specific training and education.

What might a cardiothoracic surgeon treat?

Coronary artery disease is one of the most prevalent conditions encountered by cardiothoracic surgeons. General thoracic surgeons generally treat lung cancer, esophageal disease, and chest wall disease. Doctors specialized in congenital heart surgeries treat babies, children and adults with holes between their heart chambers, or abnormal connections within the heart. Other conditions and defects include:

• Abnormal dilation, or aneurysms, of the main arteries in the chest
• Aortic valve disease
• Atrial fibrillation
• Atrial septal defects
• Blockages of the arteries or the heart valve
• Coarctation of the aorta
• Esophageal cancer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Heart failure
• Hiatal hernias
• Hypoplastic left or right heart syndrome
• Heart valves that leak
• Severe emphysema
• Disorders of swallowing, such as achalasia
• Transposition of the great arteries
• Ventricular septal defects

What is the salary and job outlook?

The annual salary for a cardiothoracic surgeon in the United States averages $281,038, although salaries depend on experience, education, skills and location. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), states that the job outlook for surgeons is anticipated to be about the same as it is now, with a projected increase in jobs of 4% or more through 2029.

What is the workplace environment?

Usually working in a hospital, medical schools, or the government, cardiothoracic surgeons often work in a fast-paced environment. They perform both scheduled and emergency operations, and they may also work in an outpatient clinic and participate in team meetings and ward rounds. The hours can be long and irregular because they must be available for work, to respond to emergencies and surgical needs as they arise. Cardiothoracic surgeons might work 60 hours or more a week. They might do two surgeries one day and five the next day. A surgical procedure may last eight hours or more. This is a challenging career and knowing how to manage stress is very important.

What skills are helpful to become a cardiothoracic surgeon?

The following are some skills that may assist someone in a cardiothoracic surgeon role in completing their functions:

• Hand-eye coordination: Cardiothoracic surgeons will typically need to possess fantastic hand-eye coordination to ensure they perform surgery well.
• Ability to remain calm: Heart surgery is a very delicate and complex procedure. The ability to remain calm and operate well may assist a surgeon in performing their functions.
• Attention to detail: Being detail-oriented enables surgeons to effectively assess and resolve patient problems without errors or delays.
• Leadership and management: Because cardiothoracic surgeons are performing procedures with teams during surgery, a key trait is being able to lead to and coordinate others even during the course of the operation.
• Physical stamina: Cardiothoracic surgeons often carry out their duties in operating rooms for long periods, standing for the entire time without a break.