3 answers
Anyelina
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Updated
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Looking back at your time in medical school and residency, what was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome to become a surgeon"?
Greetings, my name is Anyelina and I am a middle school student. I am interested in becoming a cardiologist surgeon because I am inspired by the doctors in my family. I want to follow in their footsteps, but I know the journey to this career is very long and challenging. I am writing to ask for some tips on what I should expect to face during my education and training. In your professional experience, what is the hardest part of the journey to becoming a cardiologist? Also, what are the most important "basics" or habits I should focus on learning now while I am still in middle school? Thank you so much for your advice!
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3 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
308
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I agree with the above.
Like Dr. Cadra mentioned, there is a difference between a cardiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon. A cardiologist does procedures such as putting stents but a surgeon performs surgeries.
This is your timeline to be a cardiologist:
4 years college
4 years medical school
3 years internship and residency in internal medicine
3 years fellowship in cardiology (I believe)
If you want to be a cardiovascular surgeon, after medical school, it may be general surgery and then cardiovascular surgery fellowship. I don't know the length but probably 5 years minimum.
When you are in internship and residency, you will finally get a salary but it's not a lot. Your hours are long. You are often on call and will work overnight. You will need to learn to work long hours, little sleep and eat fast. When you are "on call," you will be responsible for taking care of patients and then "present" your patient the next day in front of everyone. The attendings will be questioning what you did and often you will be criticized in front of everyone unless you are smart and can do everything right and answer all the questions correctly. You need to develop a think skin.
Like Dr. Cadra mentioned, there is a difference between a cardiologist and a cardiothoracic surgeon. A cardiologist does procedures such as putting stents but a surgeon performs surgeries.
This is your timeline to be a cardiologist:
4 years college
4 years medical school
3 years internship and residency in internal medicine
3 years fellowship in cardiology (I believe)
If you want to be a cardiovascular surgeon, after medical school, it may be general surgery and then cardiovascular surgery fellowship. I don't know the length but probably 5 years minimum.
When you are in internship and residency, you will finally get a salary but it's not a lot. Your hours are long. You are often on call and will work overnight. You will need to learn to work long hours, little sleep and eat fast. When you are "on call," you will be responsible for taking care of patients and then "present" your patient the next day in front of everyone. The attendings will be questioning what you did and often you will be criticized in front of everyone unless you are smart and can do everything right and answer all the questions correctly. You need to develop a think skin.
Michael Cadra, MD, DMD, FACS
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
43
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
It is wonderful that you want to follow in the footsteps of a relative. Perhaps you should start by having an in-depth discussion with them.
It is important to use terminology correctly. A cardiologist is a "medical", i.e. non-surgical specialty. Cardiothoracic Surgery is "surgery" of the heart and thoracic cavity.
You are correct in that the path is long and challenging. For many the biggest challenge is self discipline. Taking the time to study when all the friends are out having fun at the football game or whatever. Efficient study skills are essential. The game will really change when you hit college! Time management is essential and will become more important in medical school.
Great communication skills are essential for any physician, although many are not very good at it. Learning skills to express yourself verbally and in writing can be cultivated now.
At this point in your education I would suggest 1) using your relative as a mentorship experience. 2) cultivate great study skills, I prefer the SPQ3R method. 3) learn time management 4) practice your communication skills 5) pursue a well rounded undergraduate education in college.
It is important to use terminology correctly. A cardiologist is a "medical", i.e. non-surgical specialty. Cardiothoracic Surgery is "surgery" of the heart and thoracic cavity.
You are correct in that the path is long and challenging. For many the biggest challenge is self discipline. Taking the time to study when all the friends are out having fun at the football game or whatever. Efficient study skills are essential. The game will really change when you hit college! Time management is essential and will become more important in medical school.
Great communication skills are essential for any physician, although many are not very good at it. Learning skills to express yourself verbally and in writing can be cultivated now.
At this point in your education I would suggest 1) using your relative as a mentorship experience. 2) cultivate great study skills, I prefer the SPQ3R method. 3) learn time management 4) practice your communication skills 5) pursue a well rounded undergraduate education in college.
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
258
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
When one looks at all the years of training needed to go from middle school to practicing thoracic surgeon (or cardiologist), it can seem a mountain too tall to climb. However, if one develops good habits and takes the time to rejoice as milestones along the way to that summit are reached, one can get there.
The challenges are different for different people. For some, the economic challenges of paying for so much school and taking on debt are huge. For some, the academic rigor may be too great. For some, the sacrifice of time one could otherwise spend doing other things seems to be the biggest barrier.
Good news: each upward step opens many doors to alternative careers. If you change your mind, you may still find any number of wonderful, fulfilling careers in healthcare, in academics, in science...
The challenges are different for different people. For some, the economic challenges of paying for so much school and taking on debt are huge. For some, the academic rigor may be too great. For some, the sacrifice of time one could otherwise spend doing other things seems to be the biggest barrier.
Good news: each upward step opens many doors to alternative careers. If you change your mind, you may still find any number of wonderful, fulfilling careers in healthcare, in academics, in science...