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annie
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
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Questions
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If you could go back in time and know what you know now about your job, would you still choose to be a cardiovascular surgeon?
I'm a high school sophomore doing career research and I'm thinking about becoming a cardiovascular surgeon. I've always been interested in healthcare and becoming a surgeon so I'd love some input.
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
202
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Annie,
While I’m not a cardiovascular surgeon (yet!), I’ve spent time shadowing them, speaking to them at conferences, and learning from their experiences. If you asked most cardiovascular surgeons if they’d still choose their career, the overwhelming answer is yes. Here’s why—and a little about the trade-offs too.
Why Many Surgeons Would Say Yes
Saving Lives: Few jobs in the world let you make such a direct and meaningful impact. Cardiovascular surgeons literally save people’s lives daily, repairing hearts and giving patients more time with their families. It’s a profoundly rewarding feeling.
Constant Learning: Medicine is a field that’s always evolving. Surgeons often find excitement in keeping up with new techniques and innovations, ensuring their skills stay sharp and impactful.
Respect and Trust: As a surgeon, you earn the trust and gratitude of your patients and their families. You also gain immense respect from your peers and the community for the hard work you do.
Financial Stability: Let’s not forget, it’s a career that offers strong financial rewards, reflecting the years of study, dedication, and responsibility involved.
Disadvantages (and How to Counter Them)
Long Hours: Cardiovascular surgery is demanding, with surgeries lasting hours and unpredictable emergency calls.
Counter: Learning time management and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are key. Surgeons who prioritize self-care (like regular exercise, meditation, or hobbies) are better equipped to handle the workload.
Emotional Toll: Dealing with critically ill patients and tough outcomes can be emotionally draining.
Counter: Building emotional resilience and having a strong support system (friends, family, mentors) can help you navigate these challenges.
Years of Education and Training: Becoming a cardiovascular surgeon takes over a decade of study and training.
Counter: Remember, every step you take—be it med school, residency, or fellowship—is preparing you to save lives. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
High-Stress Environment: The operating room demands focus, precision, and quick decision-making, often under pressure.
Counter: Surgeons thrive by practicing mindfulness and staying calm in intense situations. Many say they grow to love the adrenaline and focus it brings.
Is It Worth It?
Most cardiovascular surgeons would agree that the challenges are significant, but the rewards far outweigh them. There’s no greater satisfaction than knowing you’ve changed someone’s life for the better.
If this is the path you’re passionate about, start building the skills now—resilience, communication, and adaptability. Volunteering in healthcare settings, excelling in your science courses, and learning to balance hard work with self-care will prepare you for this fulfilling, though demanding, journey.
Remember, it’s not just about the destination. The process of becoming a surgeon—learning, growing, and overcoming—is an incredible journey in itself. Keep dreaming big, and stay determined!
And honestly, Annie, I’d still go for this path too—because who wouldn’t want the power to literally bring hearts back to life? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some metaphorical organs to revive with caffeine and enthusiasm. Keep chasing your dreams, future heart hero! ❤️💉
While I’m not a cardiovascular surgeon (yet!), I’ve spent time shadowing them, speaking to them at conferences, and learning from their experiences. If you asked most cardiovascular surgeons if they’d still choose their career, the overwhelming answer is yes. Here’s why—and a little about the trade-offs too.
Why Many Surgeons Would Say Yes
Saving Lives: Few jobs in the world let you make such a direct and meaningful impact. Cardiovascular surgeons literally save people’s lives daily, repairing hearts and giving patients more time with their families. It’s a profoundly rewarding feeling.
Constant Learning: Medicine is a field that’s always evolving. Surgeons often find excitement in keeping up with new techniques and innovations, ensuring their skills stay sharp and impactful.
Respect and Trust: As a surgeon, you earn the trust and gratitude of your patients and their families. You also gain immense respect from your peers and the community for the hard work you do.
Financial Stability: Let’s not forget, it’s a career that offers strong financial rewards, reflecting the years of study, dedication, and responsibility involved.
Disadvantages (and How to Counter Them)
Long Hours: Cardiovascular surgery is demanding, with surgeries lasting hours and unpredictable emergency calls.
Counter: Learning time management and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are key. Surgeons who prioritize self-care (like regular exercise, meditation, or hobbies) are better equipped to handle the workload.
Emotional Toll: Dealing with critically ill patients and tough outcomes can be emotionally draining.
Counter: Building emotional resilience and having a strong support system (friends, family, mentors) can help you navigate these challenges.
Years of Education and Training: Becoming a cardiovascular surgeon takes over a decade of study and training.
Counter: Remember, every step you take—be it med school, residency, or fellowship—is preparing you to save lives. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
High-Stress Environment: The operating room demands focus, precision, and quick decision-making, often under pressure.
Counter: Surgeons thrive by practicing mindfulness and staying calm in intense situations. Many say they grow to love the adrenaline and focus it brings.
Is It Worth It?
Most cardiovascular surgeons would agree that the challenges are significant, but the rewards far outweigh them. There’s no greater satisfaction than knowing you’ve changed someone’s life for the better.
If this is the path you’re passionate about, start building the skills now—resilience, communication, and adaptability. Volunteering in healthcare settings, excelling in your science courses, and learning to balance hard work with self-care will prepare you for this fulfilling, though demanding, journey.
Remember, it’s not just about the destination. The process of becoming a surgeon—learning, growing, and overcoming—is an incredible journey in itself. Keep dreaming big, and stay determined!
And honestly, Annie, I’d still go for this path too—because who wouldn’t want the power to literally bring hearts back to life? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some metaphorical organs to revive with caffeine and enthusiasm. Keep chasing your dreams, future heart hero! ❤️💉
Lavanya Naram
IT Quality Consultant
13
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Lavanya’s Answer
Hi Annie!
I am not a cardiovascular surgeon, but would like to give you, my perspective. :-)
Choose your career with a thought about the future. A cardiovascular surgeon may have less personal time but follows their passion for the benefit of humanity.
The ability to save lives and improve patients' quality of life is immensely rewarding. But it involves continuous learning, problem-solving, and teamwork, making each day unique. While the training is rigorous and the hours long, the satisfaction of making a significant impact outweighs the challenges.
If you're passionate about healthcare and surgery, it's a demanding but incredibly fulfilling career. Best of luck with your future plans, Annie!
I am not a cardiovascular surgeon, but would like to give you, my perspective. :-)
Choose your career with a thought about the future. A cardiovascular surgeon may have less personal time but follows their passion for the benefit of humanity.
The ability to save lives and improve patients' quality of life is immensely rewarding. But it involves continuous learning, problem-solving, and teamwork, making each day unique. While the training is rigorous and the hours long, the satisfaction of making a significant impact outweighs the challenges.
If you're passionate about healthcare and surgery, it's a demanding but incredibly fulfilling career. Best of luck with your future plans, Annie!
Thank you for giving me advice.
annie