Cardiothoracic Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving medical landscape, the role of cardiothoracic surgeons has never been more vital.

As medical advancements continue, the demand for skilled surgeons adept in performing complex heart and chest surgeries is at its peak.

But let’s dissect the role: What’s truly expected from a cardiothoracic surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the challenging world of cardiothoracic surgery,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable cardiothoracic surgeon job description template, crafted for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Cardiothoracic Surgeons are specialized medical professionals who perform surgeries related to the organs inside the thorax, and primarily deal with conditions of the heart and lungs.

They are responsible for diagnosis, preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patients.

The primary duties and responsibilities of a Cardiothoracic Surgeon include:

• Evaluating and diagnosing patients with diseases of the heart, lungs, or chest
• Discussing surgical options with patients and their families
• Performing surgical procedures on the heart, lungs, and other parts of the chest
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, like anesthesiologists and surgical nurses, to prepare for and perform surgical procedures
• Monitoring and treating patients during postoperative recovery
• Conducting follow-up appointments with patients to monitor recovery, healing, or complications
• Keeping up with the latest surgical techniques and medical research related to cardiothoracic surgery
• Maintaining detailed, accurate, and up-to-date patient records
• Participating in clinical training, medical education, and research as required

 

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Cardiothoracic Surgeon to join our dynamic medical team.

The duties will include consulting with patients, discussing treatment options, performing surgical procedures, and monitoring patient recovery.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled surgeon with extensive experience in heart and lung surgeries.

They should have excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, coupled with an ability to work under high pressure.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating patients to determine their suitability for surgical procedures
• Performing surgical procedures to treat conditions of the heart and lungs
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to plan and implement patient care
• Monitoring patient recovery and providing post-operative care instructions
• Staying updated with advancements in the field of cardiothoracic surgery
• Maintaining records of patient care
• Communicating with patients and their families, explaining procedures and discussing treatment options
• Providing expert advice on preventative care and lifestyle habits for maintaining a healthy heart

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree and a valid license to practice medicine
• Completion of residency in General Surgery and a fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Board certification in Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Proven experience as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon
• Strong understanding of and adherence to medical ethics
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a detail-oriented mindset
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under high pressure

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education support
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cardiothoracic Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. Will require long hours, including nights, weekends, and being on-call.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Surgery Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $400,000 minimum to $600,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, references, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cardiothoracic Surgeon Do?

Cardiothoracic Surgeons are medical specialists who perform surgeries on the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs within the chest.

They primarily work in hospitals and surgical centers, often being part of a larger surgical team.

These surgeons diagnose and treat diseases such as coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysms, heart valve disorders, and lung and esophageal cancers.

They perform a range of surgical procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair and replacement, lung resections, esophagectomies, and heart transplants.

Cardiothoracic Surgeons use a variety of surgical techniques, including traditional open surgeries, minimally invasive procedures, and robotic-assisted surgeries.

They also work closely with other healthcare professionals such as anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and nursing staff to ensure the best patient outcomes.

Additionally, they are responsible for the preoperative, operative, and postoperative care of their patients.

This includes thoroughly explaining the surgical procedure to the patient, discussing potential risks and benefits, and providing post-operative care and rehabilitation strategies.

Moreover, many Cardiothoracic Surgeons are involved in clinical research to develop and test new surgical techniques and treatments for cardiothoracic conditions.

They may also teach and mentor surgical residents and medical students.

 

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Cardiothoracic Surgeon should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in cardiothoracic surgery procedures, including open heart surgery, lung resections, and thoracic aneurysm repair.
• Ability to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions related to the cardiovascular and thoracic systems using advanced medical and surgical knowledge.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to perform precise surgical procedures.
• Strong problem-solving skills to quickly and effectively respond to medical emergencies or unexpected findings during surgery.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to discuss complex medical information with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals in a clear and compassionate way.
• Ability to work long hours, often under pressure, and to stay focused during delicate and intricate surgical procedures.
• Good physical stamina and resilience to deal with the demands of surgery and post-operative care.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in cardiothoracic surgery through continuous professional development.

 

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Experience Requirements

Cardiothoracic Surgeon candidates generally need to complete a five-year general surgery residency followed by a two- or three-year cardiothoracic surgery residency.

This extensive medical education provides them with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical experience in both general and thoracic surgery.

During their residencies, aspiring Cardiothoracic Surgeons gain practical experience by assisting experienced surgeons and dealing with actual cases.

They are usually required to demonstrate their ability to perform complex surgical procedures, such as heart valve repairs, lung resections, or heart transplants.

After completing their residencies, candidates usually need to become board certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery, which requires several years of additional clinical experience.

Cardiothoracic Surgeons with more than 5 years of experience after certification are considered experienced and may have leadership or teaching roles at hospitals or medical schools.

Those with ten years or more may be considered for senior leadership positions, such as chief of surgery or program director.

Continuing education throughout their career is also crucial to keep up with the latest developments in cardiothoracic surgery and medical technology.

 

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

To become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, individuals must first earn a bachelor’s degree in a pre-medical or scientific field.

Following this, they must attend medical school, which typically lasts for four years.

The first two years are usually devoted to classroom and laboratory work, while the last two years involve clinical rotations in various areas of medicine.

Once they have obtained their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, they will need to complete a surgical residency.

This is an intensive, hands-on training period that lasts for five years, during which they learn to perform general surgical procedures.

Next, they must complete a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship, which generally lasts for two to three years.

This is a specialized training program where they learn to perform surgical procedures on the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest.

Certification is also an important part of becoming a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

After completing their residency and fellowship, they must pass the American Board of Thoracic Surgery certification exam.

Continuing education is also required to keep up to date with the latest advances in cardiothoracic surgery and to maintain certification.

This usually involves attending medical conferences, workshops, and completing online or in-person courses.

In addition, some cardiothoracic surgeons may pursue further subspecialty training in areas such as pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, heart transplantation, or minimally invasive cardiac surgery.

Being a Cardiothoracic Surgeon requires extensive education, training, and dedication.

 

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Cardiothoracic Surgeon earns an average salary of $478,622 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can significantly vary depending on factors such as the surgeon’s years of experience, level of specialization, geographical location, and the institution they are affiliated with.

 

Cardiothoracic Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What is the difference between a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and a Cardiologist?

A Cardiothoracic Surgeon and a Cardiologist both deal with heart conditions, but their roles are distinctly different.

A Cardiologist specializes in diagnosing and treating heart diseases using medication and minimally invasive procedures, while a Cardiothoracic Surgeon performs surgery on the heart, lungs, and other organs within the chest.

 

What are the daily duties of a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

A Cardiothoracic Surgeon starts their day reviewing patient histories and medical test results.

They may conduct pre-operative consultations and post-operative follow-ups.

A significant part of their day involves performing surgeries, including bypass surgeries, valve repair/replacement, lung operations, and transplants.

They also coordinate with other medical professionals, including Anesthesiologists, Cardiologists, and Nurses to provide comprehensive care.

 

What qualities make a good Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

A good Cardiothoracic Surgeon possesses strong technical skills and the ability to make quick, effective decisions under high pressure during surgery.

They should have a high degree of manual dexterity, stamina, and physical fitness to perform complex and lengthy procedures.

Excellent communication skills are important to explain procedures to patients and their families and to coordinate effectively with the medical team.

 

What level of education is required to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

Cardiothoracic Surgeons need to complete a Bachelor’s degree followed by a four-year medical school degree to become a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.).

Postgraduate medical education includes a residency in general surgery (typically 5 years), followed by a fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery (typically 2-3 years).

They also need to be licensed to practice and may obtain board certification.

 

What should you look for in a Cardiothoracic Surgeon’s resume?

Review the educational background to confirm their medical degree, residency, and fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery.

Check for licensure and board certification.

Look for experience details, including types of surgeries performed, patient outcomes, and any specialized skills.

Research experience, publications in medical journals, and conference presentations can also highlight their expertise and commitment to the field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you a glimpse behind the scenes of what it truly means to be a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Surprised?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about restoring health and hope, one heart at a time.

With our handy cardiothoracic surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-prepared to take the next step.

But why halt your progress?

Go beyond with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Bear in mind:

Every surgery contributes to the larger mission.

Let’s mend hearts. Together.

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