What is a thoracic surgeon and how to become one

A thoracic surgeon specializes in the diagnosis, care plan, and surgical treatment relating to the conditions and diseases of the chest organs, including the lungs, esophagus, and other major blood vessels. From infections, tumors, and cancers, a thoracic surgeon can be trusted to be there in every step of recovery. They deal with heart problems, too, quite literally.

Although technological advances in surgical equipment have improved the success rates of medical procedures, it's crucial to have the right and competent specialists to supervise and perform these major operations. This is why being a thoracic surgeon requires years of education and practice, which involves a pre-med undergraduate degree, a medical degree, and a five-year general surgery residency.

They may have a subspecialty such as adult cardiac surgery, congenital or pediatric heart surgery, and general thoracic surgery. A specialty training spanning from six to eight years is needed for thoracic surgeons to obtain their certification.