Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern healthcare sector, the prominence of pediatric cardiac surgeons is undeniably critical.

Medical advancements continue to evolve, and with each breakthrough, the demand for skilled surgeons specializing in children’s heart conditions grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric cardiac surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager attempting to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in learning about pediatric cardiac surgery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric cardiac surgeon job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons are specialized doctors who perform heart surgeries and procedures on children, from newborns to teenagers, to rectify heart defects, disorders, and diseases.

They work with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and diagnosing congenital and acquired heart diseases in infants, children, and adolescents
• Performing surgical procedures to treat cardiovascular disease and congenital heart defects
• Conducting preoperative and postoperative care, including patient consultation and follow-up
• Collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team including pediatric cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and nurses to prepare for and conduct complex surgical procedures
• Interpreting diagnostic tests such as echocardiograms, cardiac catheterizations, and electrophysiological data
• Communicating effectively with parents and family members about the patient’s condition, surgical risks and outcomes
• Staying up-to-date with advancements in pediatric cardiac surgery and integrating new techniques and technologies when beneficial for patients
• Contributing to clinical research and advancements in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery
• Maintaining accurate and detailed medical records for all patients

 

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon to join our dynamic team.

In this role, you will be responsible for diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions of the heart and cardiovascular system in children.

The Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon will operate on the heart, blood vessels, and other parts of the chest.

This position requires superior surgical skills, extensive knowledge of cardiac diseases in children, and the ability to make critical decisions quickly during surgery.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and diagnose heart and chest diseases in children
• Perform surgical procedures on the heart and chest, including bypass surgery, valve repair and replacement, and congenital heart defect corrections
• Interpret diagnostic tests and imaging results
• Coordinate with a team of medical professionals to determine the best treatment plan
• Provide post-operative care and follow-up
• Communicate effectively with patients’ families
• Stay current with the latest techniques and technologies in pediatric cardiac surgery
• Maintain patient records in accordance with established protocols

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree and completion of residency and fellowship in pediatric cardiac surgery
• Board certification in Pediatric Cardiology
• Proven experience as a pediatric cardiac surgeon
• Extensive knowledge of cardiac diseases in children and their treatments
• Strong surgical skills and ability to perform complex procedures
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well under pressure

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or healthcare facility. Some travel may be required for conferences or professional development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head or Chief of Surgery.
• 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 and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Do?

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons are specialized medical professionals who diagnose and treat heart conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.

They also extend their services to patients with congenital heart defects even into adulthood.

They perform surgical procedures to treat a wide variety of heart conditions such as congenital heart defects, arrhythmias, heart failure, and other diseases affecting the heart.

These procedures could range from minimally invasive surgeries to complex heart transplants.

They work closely with a team of pediatric cardiologists, anesthetists, and other medical professionals in planning and executing the treatment plan.

They are also responsible for monitoring the patient’s recovery post-surgery and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

In addition, Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons provide consultation services to parents and patients, explaining the surgical process, potential risks, and expected outcomes.

They also counsel families on postoperative care and lifestyle modifications needed for a healthy recovery.

Furthermore, they are involved in conducting research to develop new surgical techniques and procedures, improving existing ones, and enhancing patient care.

They also participate in continuing education to stay updated on advancements in pediatric cardiac surgery.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A pediatric cardiac surgeon must possess a strong set of technical and soft skills, as well as deep medical knowledge and experience to provide specialized surgical care for infants, children, and adolescents with cardiac conditions.

These include:

• Expertise in performing a wide range of congenital heart defect repairs, heart transplantations, valve repairs and replacements, and other complex pediatric cardiac surgeries.
• Strong medical knowledge and understanding of the complex anatomy, physiology, and pathology of pediatric cardiac conditions.
• High precision and manual dexterity to perform intricate surgical procedures.
• Superior diagnostic skills to accurately identify and assess the severity of cardiac diseases in children.
• Strong decision-making skills to determine the best surgical or non-surgical treatment approach.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain diagnoses, procedures, and treatment plans to patients and their parents or caregivers.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish trust and rapport with patients and their families.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team including pediatric cardiologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in pediatric cardiac surgery.
• High level of patience and emotional resilience to handle the pressure and emotional stress associated with treating critical illnesses in children.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Experience Requirements

Becoming a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon requires an extensive amount of theoretical and practical experience.

Initially, candidates need to obtain a Bachelor’s degree, commonly in a science-related field, before entering medical school.

Medical school typically lasts for four years and is followed by a 5-year general surgery residency.

Afterward, individuals must complete a 2-3 year specialized pediatric cardiac surgery fellowship where they gain hands-on experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing cardiovascular diseases in infants, children, and adolescents.

Candidates with more than 3-5 years of experience post-fellowship may be more adept at handling complex surgical procedures and are often involved in research or academic positions.

Those with over 10 years of experience likely have accumulated significant expertise in the field and could take on leadership roles, such as a department head or program director.

They may also be involved in training and mentoring less experienced surgeons.

The role of a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon is highly demanding and requires a commitment to continuous learning and skill improvement due to the evolving nature of medical technologies and treatment methods.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

To become a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, an individual must first obtain a bachelor’s degree, typically in biology, chemistry, or a pre-medical field.

Following this, they must attend and graduate from an accredited medical school, which generally takes four years.

The first two years of medical school are spent in the classroom studying medical laws, ethics, and basic sciences.

The last two years are spent in clinical rotations, gaining hands-on experience.

Upon completion of medical school, aspiring Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons should then enter a surgical residency program, which typically lasts five to seven years.

This residency provides them with extensive surgical training and experience.

After completing a general surgery residency, surgeons must then participate in a pediatric cardiac surgery fellowship program, which can last between two to four years.

This fellowship focuses on the specialized knowledge and skills required for pediatric cardiac surgery.

Finally, to practice as a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon, professionals must be licensed by the state in which they intend to work, and board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

This requires passing several rigorous examinations.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as it allows surgeons to stay up-to-date with the latest surgical techniques, advancements, and research in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Many surgeons also pursue additional training and certification in pediatric cardiology to further enhance their skills and expertise.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon earns an average salary of $418,867 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary greatly based on the surgeon’s experience, education, location, and the specific institution where they practice.

Additional factors like specialized skills and board certification can also influence the salary range.

 

Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon need?

A Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon requires extensive education and training, including completion of medical school, a residency in general surgery, and a specialized fellowship in pediatric cardiac surgery.

They must be board-certified and maintain their certification with ongoing education and testing.

Some surgeons may also have additional qualifications in pediatric cardiology.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon?

A Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon’s daily duties may involve conducting consultations with patients and their families, diagnosing heart conditions, performing surgical procedures, and managing postoperative care.

They may also collaborate with other healthcare professionals, participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, and conduct research in pediatric cardiology.

 

What skills are important for a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon?

In addition to technical surgical skills, a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with children and their families.

They should be able to explain complex medical conditions and procedures in a way that can be easily understood.

Compassion, patience, and the ability to handle stress are also important qualities.

 

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

A Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon’s resume should include their medical degree, residency, and fellowship details, as well as their board certification in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Look for any additional certifications or memberships in professional organizations.

Experience, especially in pediatric cardiology, is crucial.

The resume should also highlight any research or publications in the field.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon?

Yes, hiring a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon can be challenging due to the limited pool of qualified candidates.

This field requires extensive training and specialization, resulting in fewer doctors compared to other specialties.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries and benefits, as well as a supportive and collaborative working environment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate, life-changing work of a pediatric cardiac surgeon.

Surprised?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about mending tiny hearts, one beat at a time.

With our definitive pediatric cardiac surgeon job description template and genuine real-life examples, you’re primed and ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable tool for crafting accurate job descriptions or refining your resume to surgical precision.

Remember:

Each operation is a part of a larger mission.

Let’s save lives. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Cardiac Surgeon (Complete Guide)

The Hallmarks of Success: The Most Prestigious Jobs in the World

The Quirkier Side of Work: Unbelievably Weird Jobs

Recession-Ready Careers: Staying Steady When the Market Shakes

The Employment Enigma: In-Demand Jobs Defining the Decade