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What is a cardiothoracic surgeon and how to become one
Cardiothoracic surgeons are known as one of the leading experts in the healthcare and medical field. It is a well-known fact that they have to spend ten years to become a doctor and another five to ten years to build up their reputation as a successful cardiothoracic surgeon.
Primarily, their job entails performing operations for different heart conditions such as endocarditis, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, and arterial aneurysm. They are expected to be able to handle stressful working conditions and odd work shifts and schedules.
As for their skills, cardiothoracic surgeons need to be logical, methodical, investigative, and rational. They can work in major hospitals and undergo specializations such as congenital heart surgery, children's cardiac surgery, adult cardiac surgery, and general thoracic surgery.
The perks of being a cardiothoracic surgeon include being one of the highest-paying doctors in the field and directly helping save the lives of people.
Avg. Salary $409,035
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 7%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.14%
Asian 12.67%
Black or African American 1.81%
Hispanic or Latino 5.01%
Unknown 3.76%
White 76.60%
Genderfemale 41.94%
male 58.06%
Age - 47American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 47Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is advanced
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Key steps to become a cardiothoracic surgeon
Explore cardiothoracic surgeon education requirements
Start to develop specific cardiothoracic surgeon skills
Skills Percentages Private Practice 37.66% Surgical Procedures 28.34% MRI 18.66% Post-Operative Care 7.11% Chest Tubes 6.51% Research cardiothoracic surgeon duties and responsibilities
- Manage all incoming medical records requests (ensuring office is within HIPPA guidelines).
- Coordinate with patients and medical staff at civilian and military treatment facilities to schedule medical appointments and retrieve medical documentation.
- Observe fracture plating, skin grafting, wind cleaning, amputation, and other Orthopaedic surgeries.
Apply for cardiothoracic surgeon jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a cardiothoracic surgeon job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first cardiothoracic surgeon job
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Average cardiothoracic surgeon salary
The average cardiothoracic surgeon salary in the United States is $409,035 per year or $197 per hour. Cardiothoracic surgeon salaries range between $205,000 and $813,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do cardiothoracic surgeons rate their job?
Updated January 8, 2025
