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how does it feel to be a cardiothoracic surgeon ?
i want to know more about this topic to have more knowledge when i get into this field .
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Andre’s Answer
Cardiothoracic surgery is a very demanding and specialized area of surgery. Its is one of the most demanding areas in cardiology and surgery.
Interventional cardiology is an outgrowth of the medical specialty of cardiology. It does not require a surgical residency. It does require a cardiology fellowship followed by an interventional fellowship. An interventional cardiologist can do angioplasty, stenting, pacemaker and valve repair and atrial septal defect repair. The cardiothoracic surgeons then back you up if you get into something more complex. Watch these procedures on line and volunteer in hospitals where you can observe what is available. This career choice, a life decision. It is not like on doctor movies. The doctor gets the credit and criticism for outcomes. The responsibility and emotional and physical demands can be overwhelming and take a toll on personal family life. Many smart students choose a career as a nurse practitioner in the above areas because they still get to be involved but have limited time and responsibility compared to a physician. The preparation time and training is less demanding.
Shadowing an interventional cardiologist or surgeon if possible.
Interventional cardiology is an outgrowth of the medical specialty of cardiology. It does not require a surgical residency. It does require a cardiology fellowship followed by an interventional fellowship. An interventional cardiologist can do angioplasty, stenting, pacemaker and valve repair and atrial septal defect repair. The cardiothoracic surgeons then back you up if you get into something more complex. Watch these procedures on line and volunteer in hospitals where you can observe what is available. This career choice, a life decision. It is not like on doctor movies. The doctor gets the credit and criticism for outcomes. The responsibility and emotional and physical demands can be overwhelming and take a toll on personal family life. Many smart students choose a career as a nurse practitioner in the above areas because they still get to be involved but have limited time and responsibility compared to a physician. The preparation time and training is less demanding.
Andre recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michael J’s Answer
Cardiothoracic Surgery is very demanding. It feels like you have mastered conducting a symphony. It requires extreme discipline and calm under pressure. Much of this surgery is done on a beating heart. However, when under bypass, there is the extra pressure of working quickly. There is always the issue of whether the heart will easily start back up.
Watch You Tube Videos
Shadow an Interventional Cardiologist
Watch the TAVR Procedure on You Tube
Watch the Mitra Clip Procedure on YouTube
Watch Stenting the Superior Aorta on You Tube
Michael J recommends the following next steps: