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What is your greatest accomplishment as 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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Dr’s Answer

Hey Annie,

First off, hats off to you for setting your sights on becoming a cardiovascular surgeon—talk about aiming straight for the heart (literally)! You've got the curiosity and drive, which is already half the battle. The other half? Well, that’s a mix of caffeine-fueled late nights, steady hands, and a good dose of determination.

Greatest Accomplishments in Cardiovascular Surgery
Surgeons I’ve shadowed and spoken with often find their proudest moments in saving lives in ways that were once science fiction. Picture this:

Off-Pump Coronary Bypass Surgery: Surgeons like Dr. John Puskas pioneered methods to perform bypasses without stopping the heart—think of it as fixing a moving car engine without turning it off. It’s groundbreaking and has helped countless patients recover faster.
Artificial Heart Implantation: Ever heard of Dr. William DeVries? He implanted the first artificial heart, giving hope to patients who had run out of options. These milestones remind us that cardiovascular surgery is where innovation meets life-saving magic.
Skills and Tips for Aspiring Surgeons

Here are some of the greatest accomplishments of some cardiovascular surgeons who have mentioned-

Saving Lives Daily: Performing life-saving surgeries like bypasses, valve repairs, and transplants that give patients a second chance at life.
Pioneering Techniques: Innovating methods like off-pump coronary bypass surgery or minimally invasive techniques that improve recovery and reduce risks.
Transplant Milestones: Successfully conducting heart transplants and artificial heart implantations, revolutionizing treatment for severe heart failure.
Advancing Research: Contributing to medical research that improves patient care and outcomes for cardiovascular diseases.
Mentorship and Teaching: Training the next generation of surgeons and sharing knowledge to improve global healthcare standards.

To be a rockstar in this field, here’s what you need to master:

Dexterity: Exceptional hand-eye coordination is your best friend. Pick up hobbies like playing an instrument, stitching, or even gaming (seriously, some surgeons swear by it).
Stamina: Surgeries can take hours—sometimes double-digit hours. Build your endurance through regular exercise and a diet that doesn’t consist entirely of coffee and energy bars (tempting, but no).
Emotional Resilience: The operating room can be intense, and outcomes aren’t always perfect. Learning mindfulness or stress management techniques now will help you stay calm under pressure.
Teamwork: Surgery isn’t a one-person show. You’ll work closely with nurses, anesthesiologists, and other surgeons. Start honing those collaboration skills—think of it as being the lead singer in a band (minus the mic drops).
Continuous Learning: Medicine evolves faster than the latest TikTok trends. Stay curious, read journals, and embrace every opportunity to learn new techniques.
Insights From My Surgeon Friends
Through shadowing and talking to surgeons, I’ve noticed a few recurring themes:

Long Hours Are Real: Forget 9-to-5; think more like 6-to-midnight. But with proper time management and occasional naps (power naps, not OR naps), you’ll survive and thrive.
Support Systems Matter: Surround yourself with people who get you—whether it’s family, friends, or your surgical team. A joke or a quick venting session can work wonders.
Self-Care Isn’t Optional: Whether it’s Netflix marathons or hitting the gym, find time for yourself. A burnt-out surgeon isn’t helpful to anyone, least of all your future patients.
Parting Words (With a Dash of Humor)
Annie, you’re already on the right track just by asking these questions and showing such dedication. The journey to becoming a cardiovascular surgeon won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth every late night, every challenging moment, and every victory in the OR.

And hey, someday, when you’re in the thick of it, remember this: even on your longest days, you’ll be doing what few others can—bringing hearts back to life (cue superhero theme music). Keep chasing that dream, future heart hero, and know I’m here if you ever need a pep talk, more tips, or just a good laugh. Go get ‘em! 💉❤️
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