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what are the pros and cons of being a thoracic surgeon?
Lauren,18
Im from New York City and would like to know more .
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Midwest’s Answer
Lauren, I will answer this from my perspective/bias as an adult cardiac surgeon but will try and answer it for the pros and cons of being a cardiothoracic surgeon including those who perform both heart and lung operations.
PROS
Impact
The operations that we do are extremely impactful to patients and this is very fulfilling and rewarding to be able to offer these procedures to them for a variety of cardiothoracic diseases.
Challenge
Day to day work is never mundane as a cardiothoracic surgeon. The issues to tackle are complex and even the simplest of operations are high stakes and can go awry very quickly. Cardiothoracic surgery remains both physically and intellectually challenging on a daily basis which can be invigorating and makes work enjoyable.
Job Market
Like many specialties, cardiothoracic surgeons are currently in high demand and there is little reason to think that will change anytime soon. One of the main drivers for this is an impending shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age and with the same generation advancing in age, cardiovascular and thoracic disease is only increasing. There are plenty of jobs in both cardiac and thoracic surgery.
Compensation
Cardiothoracic surgeons have good compensation and live comfortably. However, I would strongly recommend against choosing this profession for the sake of compensation, as there are many alternative, more efficient ways to earn a high salary without the long hours and psychological challenges of cardiothoracic surgery. In addition, reimbursement for cardiac surgery procedures has gone down substantially in the past 5-10 years, which is a concern for maintaining quality and access to care in the future.
CONS
Physical and Emotional Rigor
Cardiothoracic surgery is very rigorous requiring long hours, both physically and psychologically. Physically the procedures often involve standing for many hours and sometimes getting little sleep. This is better for surgeons than trainees and better for senior surgeons than junior and furthermore will the work hours and rigor of practice will vary significantly depending on the location and type of practice. Nonetheless, it is in no way easy. Psychologically, cardiothoracic surgery can be extremely rewarding as mentioned. However, sometimes operations do not go as planned and adverse events and outcomes are inevitable. This can be extremely difficult to handle day in and day out. Sometimes if a step in an operation goes wrong, an adverse event may happen and you will be called upon to deal with it. However, other times, everything will go exactly as planned but then something awful may still happen, including but not limited to death. This can be extremely challenging when mere minutes later you must be at your best for the next patient.
Training
Cardiothoracic training is certainly long and rigorous and any trainee must know and acknowledge this before entering this career. However, I believe that far more important than this is that you make sure you are doing what you love doing. I could work and train for half as long but if I am unhappy doing it then it will feel like twice as long. In addition, most surgical and even medical specialties require extensive training typically between 6 and 10 years. Interventional cardiology often requires as long or longer training than cardiothoracic surgery. The pathways to become a cardiothoracic surgeon after medical school are one of the following:
Traditional pathway
5 years of general surgery (+0-2 years of dedicated research)
2-3 years of cardiothoracic surgery
0-1 years of advanced fellowship
Integrated pathway
6 years of integrated cardiothoracic surgery (+0-2 years of dedicated research)
0-1 years of advanced fellowship
Hope this helps!
PROS
Impact
The operations that we do are extremely impactful to patients and this is very fulfilling and rewarding to be able to offer these procedures to them for a variety of cardiothoracic diseases.
Challenge
Day to day work is never mundane as a cardiothoracic surgeon. The issues to tackle are complex and even the simplest of operations are high stakes and can go awry very quickly. Cardiothoracic surgery remains both physically and intellectually challenging on a daily basis which can be invigorating and makes work enjoyable.
Job Market
Like many specialties, cardiothoracic surgeons are currently in high demand and there is little reason to think that will change anytime soon. One of the main drivers for this is an impending shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons as the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age and with the same generation advancing in age, cardiovascular and thoracic disease is only increasing. There are plenty of jobs in both cardiac and thoracic surgery.
Compensation
Cardiothoracic surgeons have good compensation and live comfortably. However, I would strongly recommend against choosing this profession for the sake of compensation, as there are many alternative, more efficient ways to earn a high salary without the long hours and psychological challenges of cardiothoracic surgery. In addition, reimbursement for cardiac surgery procedures has gone down substantially in the past 5-10 years, which is a concern for maintaining quality and access to care in the future.
CONS
Physical and Emotional Rigor
Cardiothoracic surgery is very rigorous requiring long hours, both physically and psychologically. Physically the procedures often involve standing for many hours and sometimes getting little sleep. This is better for surgeons than trainees and better for senior surgeons than junior and furthermore will the work hours and rigor of practice will vary significantly depending on the location and type of practice. Nonetheless, it is in no way easy. Psychologically, cardiothoracic surgery can be extremely rewarding as mentioned. However, sometimes operations do not go as planned and adverse events and outcomes are inevitable. This can be extremely difficult to handle day in and day out. Sometimes if a step in an operation goes wrong, an adverse event may happen and you will be called upon to deal with it. However, other times, everything will go exactly as planned but then something awful may still happen, including but not limited to death. This can be extremely challenging when mere minutes later you must be at your best for the next patient.
Training
Cardiothoracic training is certainly long and rigorous and any trainee must know and acknowledge this before entering this career. However, I believe that far more important than this is that you make sure you are doing what you love doing. I could work and train for half as long but if I am unhappy doing it then it will feel like twice as long. In addition, most surgical and even medical specialties require extensive training typically between 6 and 10 years. Interventional cardiology often requires as long or longer training than cardiothoracic surgery. The pathways to become a cardiothoracic surgeon after medical school are one of the following:
Traditional pathway
5 years of general surgery (+0-2 years of dedicated research)
2-3 years of cardiothoracic surgery
0-1 years of advanced fellowship
Integrated pathway
6 years of integrated cardiothoracic surgery (+0-2 years of dedicated research)
0-1 years of advanced fellowship
Hope this helps!
Updated
Waliyat’s Answer
Pros:
1. Impactful work: As a thoracic surgeon, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives by performing life-saving surgeries, such as lung transplants, lung cancer resections, and heart surgeries. By treating individuals facing critical health conditions, you play a vital role in improving their health and well-being.
2. Challenging and intellectually stimulating: Thoracic surgery is a highly complex and demanding field, requiring a high level of technical skill and expertise. The challenging nature of the work provides intellectual stimulation, fostering continuous learning, growth, and development throughout your career.
3. Variety of procedures: Thoracic surgery encompasses a diverse range of procedures, including lung resections, esophageal surgeries, mediastinal tumor removals, and heart surgeries. This variety adds excitement and diversity to your daily practice, preventing monotony and keeping you engaged and motivated.
4. Job security and demand: Due to the prevalence of diseases like lung cancer, heart conditions, and other thoracic disorders, there is a consistent demand for skilled thoracic surgeons. This high demand ensures job security and potentially offers a wide range of employment opportunities across various healthcare settings.
Cons:
1. Extensive training: Becoming a thoracic surgeon requires a long and rigorous educational path. After completing medical school, you'll need to undergo a general surgery residency, followed by a specialized fellowship in thoracic surgery. This training process can be time-consuming and may take several years before you achieve full qualification.
2. High stress levels: Thoracic surgery involves handling critically ill patients and performing complex procedures, necessitating quick yet precise decision-making, which can lead to high levels of stress and emotional strain. The stakes are high, and managing potentially life-threatening situations can be both professionally and personally challenging.
3. Long working hours: Surgeons, in general, often have demanding schedules and long working hours. Thoracic surgeons may be required to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and being on-call for emergencies. This can significantly impact your work-life balance and personal commitments, potentially causing burnout and stress.
4. Physical demands: Performing thoracic surgeries requires physical stamina, as surgeons often spend prolonged periods standing in the operating room. The physical demands of the profession can be challenging, particularly during lengthy and complex procedures, potentially leading to physical exhaustion and strain over time.
5. Emotional challenges: Dealing with serious illnesses, life-or-death situations, and patient outcomes can take an emotional toll on thoracic surgeons. Coping with the loss of patients and managing difficult conversations with patients and their families can be emotionally challenging, potentially affecting mental health and overall job satisfaction.
1. Impactful work: As a thoracic surgeon, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact on patients' lives by performing life-saving surgeries, such as lung transplants, lung cancer resections, and heart surgeries. By treating individuals facing critical health conditions, you play a vital role in improving their health and well-being.
2. Challenging and intellectually stimulating: Thoracic surgery is a highly complex and demanding field, requiring a high level of technical skill and expertise. The challenging nature of the work provides intellectual stimulation, fostering continuous learning, growth, and development throughout your career.
3. Variety of procedures: Thoracic surgery encompasses a diverse range of procedures, including lung resections, esophageal surgeries, mediastinal tumor removals, and heart surgeries. This variety adds excitement and diversity to your daily practice, preventing monotony and keeping you engaged and motivated.
4. Job security and demand: Due to the prevalence of diseases like lung cancer, heart conditions, and other thoracic disorders, there is a consistent demand for skilled thoracic surgeons. This high demand ensures job security and potentially offers a wide range of employment opportunities across various healthcare settings.
Cons:
1. Extensive training: Becoming a thoracic surgeon requires a long and rigorous educational path. After completing medical school, you'll need to undergo a general surgery residency, followed by a specialized fellowship in thoracic surgery. This training process can be time-consuming and may take several years before you achieve full qualification.
2. High stress levels: Thoracic surgery involves handling critically ill patients and performing complex procedures, necessitating quick yet precise decision-making, which can lead to high levels of stress and emotional strain. The stakes are high, and managing potentially life-threatening situations can be both professionally and personally challenging.
3. Long working hours: Surgeons, in general, often have demanding schedules and long working hours. Thoracic surgeons may be required to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and being on-call for emergencies. This can significantly impact your work-life balance and personal commitments, potentially causing burnout and stress.
4. Physical demands: Performing thoracic surgeries requires physical stamina, as surgeons often spend prolonged periods standing in the operating room. The physical demands of the profession can be challenging, particularly during lengthy and complex procedures, potentially leading to physical exhaustion and strain over time.
5. Emotional challenges: Dealing with serious illnesses, life-or-death situations, and patient outcomes can take an emotional toll on thoracic surgeons. Coping with the loss of patients and managing difficult conversations with patients and their families can be emotionally challenging, potentially affecting mental health and overall job satisfaction.