Cardiothoracic Surgeon

A cardiothoracic surgeon focuses on surgical procedures on organs located in the chest or thoracic cavity such as the heart, lungs. These surgeons typically perform complex procedures to treat conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, congenital heart defects, and other thoracic disorders.

What is a typical day as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon? 

– Conduct a clinic involving taking patient’s medical histories, perform physical examinations, and order diagnostic tests to evaluate their overall health and determine the need for surgery

– Review imaging such as echocardiograms, angiograms, and CT scans to identify the specific anatomical abnormalities or conditions requiring surgical intervention.

– Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and other surgical specialists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. 

– Perform surgical procedures to treat conditions affecting the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other thoracic organs and make real-time decisions to address any unexpected complications or challenges that may arise during surgery.

– Installing cardiac support devices

What else might they be expected to do? 

– Provide comprehensive postoperative care to monitor patients’ recovery and manage any complications that may occur

– Educate patients and their families about their conditions, treatment options, and postoperative care instructions. 

– Participate in research studies to advance medical knowledge, develop innovative surgical techniques, and improve treatment outcomes for patients with cardiovascular and thoracic diseases. 

– Mentor medical students, residents, and fellows and contribute to medical literature through publications and presentations at national and international conferences. 

What type of training is needed for this career path? 

-Be a licensed Medical Doctor (Complete Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree plus 1 year internship)

– There are several routes. Either pursue a Master of Medicine in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (5 years).

– Alternatively, pursue Master of Medicine in General Surgery (4 years) and sub-specialise in Cardiothoracic Surgery for 3 years.

What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path? 

– Resilience: Handling high-stress situations and long hours.

– Attention to Detail: Ensuring precision in complex procedures.

– Strong Communication Skills: Effectively conveying information to patients and teams.

– Leadership: Guiding surgical teams and making critical decisions.

– Empathy: Providing compassionate care to patients and families.

What kind of interests do people in this career path have? 

– Enjoy hands-on activities, tangible results and working with tools and machinery. (Building)

– Solving complex problems and understanding intricate systems. (Thinking) 

Holland Codes: Thinking (I), Building (R).  

Are there any innate skills or aptitudes required? 

– Manual Dexterity: Performing precise surgical movements.

– Stamina: Enduring long surgeries and demanding schedules.

– Critical Thinking: Making quick, informed decisions during procedures.

– Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with medical professionals. 

What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path? 

– Emotional Stress: Dealing with life-and-death situations regularly.

– Work-Life Balance: Managing long hours and on-call duties.

– Resource Limitations: Especially in underfunded healthcare systems.

– Continuous Learning: Keeping up with advancements in surgical techniques and technologies.

What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen? 

– Kenya & Africa: There is a significant shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons in Kenya. Training programs are expanding, with institutions establishing cardiothoracic centers to address this gap

– International: Cardiothoracic surgeons are in demand worldwide, particularly in countries with advanced healthcare systems. Opportunities exist in clinical practice, research, and academia.  

What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career? 

– Subject selection must include Biology and Chemistry, Math or Physics at senior school level. 

– A strong performance, especially in Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics, and English/Kiswahili. 

– High pass rate requirement for all Medical programs locally and abroad.

– Gain exposure by volunteering at Healthcare facilities to ascertain interest

– Find your ‘WHY’. The journey is very long and tedious. You may want to give up sometimes. Having a purpose that goes beyond financial success can help you stay focused on hard days. 

– Clinical Exposure: Volunteering at hospitals and clinics helps you gain experience and determine whether you are passionate about the medical field.

– Build good study habits that will carry you through the academic rigours of the programs.

Which other careers or job roles can I progress to? 

– Paediatric/Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgeon

– Cardiac Surgeon