Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s healthcare industry, the demand for pediatric thoracic surgeons is steadily increasing.

As medical advancements forge ahead, the need for highly skilled specialists who can diagnose, treat, and manage thoracic conditions in children grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a pediatric thoracic surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the complex world of pediatric thoracic surgery,

You’ve arrived at the right spot.

Today, we present a comprehensive pediatric thoracic surgeon job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeons are responsible for diagnosing and surgically treating conditions and diseases affecting the organs inside the chest (thorax) of children, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus.

The duties and responsibilities of a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon include:

• Diagnosing thoracic diseases and conditions in children through the use of various diagnostic tests such as imaging studies and biopsies
• Performing surgical procedures on the chest area, including lung resection, heart surgeries, esophageal surgeries, and others
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and nurses, to provide optimal patient care
• Communicating effectively with patients and their families to explain diagnoses, treatment options, potential risks and outcomes of surgery
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest medical research and advancements in pediatric thoracic surgery
• Participating in educational activities and training programs to continue professional development
• Ensuring the safety and comfort of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures
• Maintaining detailed records of patients’ medical histories, surgical procedures, and post-operative care
• Providing palliative care and pain management for children with terminal thoracic diseases

 

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon to join our team.

This role involves diagnosing, treating, and managing children’s respiratory and thoracic medical issues.

Responsibilities include performing surgeries, providing pre- and post-operative care, and collaborating with a team of healthcare professionals to determine the most effective course of treatment for each patient.

Our ideal candidate is a board-certified surgeon with a fellowship in pediatric thoracic surgery, possesses excellent surgical skills, and has a deep understanding of children’s unique medical needs.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients and diagnose their illnesses and conditions
• Perform thoracic surgeries and procedures on patients, mainly children and adolescents
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to determine the best course of treatment for patients
• Provide pre- and post-operative care to patients
• Communicate effectively with patients and their families, providing information and emotional support
• Stay updated with the latest trends and medical knowledge in pediatric thoracic surgery
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and ethical standards
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to enhance patient care
• Participate in research activities related to pediatric thoracic surgery

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree and a valid license to practice medicine
• Board certification in general surgery
• Fellowship in pediatric thoracic surgery
• Proven experience as a pediatric thoracic surgeon
• Excellent surgical skills and knowledge of thoracic diseases and treatments
• Strong ability to communicate effectively with patients, their families and medical team members
• Committed to continuous education and staying updated with advances in the medical field

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan options
• Paid time off
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Mentorship programs and support

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Frequent exposure to critical care situations, requiring long and irregular hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of the Surgery Department.
• Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience, qualifications, and market considerations.
• Pay Range: $300,000 minimum to $500,000 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 institution. 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, cover letter, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Do?

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeons are specialized medical professionals who diagnose and perform surgeries on children’s chest area, including the heart, lungs, and other thoracic (chest) organs.

They typically work in hospitals, clinics, and specialized children’s medical centers.

They work closely with a team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and other specialized surgeons to provide comprehensive care to their young patients.

They are also often involved in the pre-operative preparation and the post-operative care of the patient.

Their responsibilities include conducting thorough examinations of patients, interpreting diagnostic tests, determining the need for surgery, and planning the surgical procedure.

They perform complex surgical procedures that can range from correcting congenital heart defects to treating lung diseases.

In addition to performing surgeries, they also consult with families, explaining the child’s condition, the surgical procedure, and the potential risks and benefits.

They ensure that the families are well-informed about the procedure and are comfortable with the treatment plan.

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeons might also be involved in research, seeking new and more effective surgical techniques and treatments.

They may be required to attend conferences and workshops to stay abreast of the latest developments in their field.

Their role is crucial in the healthcare system as they not only provide lifesaving surgical interventions, but they also offer emotional support to the child and their family during a challenging period.

 

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon should have the skills and qualifications that align with this highly specialized job role, such as:

• Advanced medical knowledge and technical skills, particularly in thoracic procedures and pediatric medicine, to provide specialized surgical care to children with thoracic conditions.
• Exceptional decision-making abilities to make quick, accurate diagnoses and choose the best treatment plans for patients.
• Excellent fine motor skills to perform intricate surgeries with a high level of precision and care.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with a team of healthcare professionals and explain complex medical information to parents and patients in a clear and compassionate way.
• High level of emotional resilience and stress management skills to cope with the high-pressure environment and emotional aspects of working with sick children and their families.
• Continual learning mindset to stay updated with the latest advancements in pediatric thoracic surgery, including new techniques, technologies and research.
• Strong ethical standards and a commitment to providing the highest quality of care to patients.

 

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Experience Requirements

Aspiring Pediatric Thoracic Surgeons must first obtain a Bachelor’s degree, followed by graduating from a medical school, which usually takes 4 years.

This is followed by a residency program which can last for 5-7 years, focused on general surgery or thoracic surgery.

The surgeon then has to undergo a fellowship in pediatric thoracic surgery, which usually lasts 1-2 years.

This fellowship provides specialized training in surgical procedures involving the chest, including the heart and lungs of children and adolescents.

In total, the education and training can take up to 14 years post-high school.

The next step is to become certified, which involves passing a series of exams administered by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Board certification demonstrates that the surgeon has met the necessary standards of skills and knowledge in thoracic surgery.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience post-certification may have developed their technical skills sufficiently to handle complex cases and may be ready for a senior or leadership role.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may have some administrative experience in their background and might be considered for a chief surgeon or department head position.

 

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon requires extensive education and training in the field of medicine.

Initially, they must complete a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.

This is followed by earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from a medical school, which typically takes four years.

Post-medical school, they must complete a five-year residency in general surgery, where they gain practical experience in various surgical procedures and patient care.

After the general surgery residency, they are required to undergo additional specialty training in thoracic surgery, which can take two to three years.

This training focuses on surgeries related to the chest, including the heart, lungs, and esophagus.

As they plan to specialize in pediatric thoracic surgery, an additional fellowship in pediatric surgery is also required.

This fellowship, which typically lasts two years, provides extensive training in treating infants and children with surgical needs.

All surgeons, including Pediatric Thoracic Surgeons, must be licensed to practice in their respective states.

This requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Additionally, board certification through the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and the American Board of Pediatrics would solidify their expertise in the field.

These certifications require successful completion of examinations and demonstrate the surgeon’s competency in pediatric thoracic surgery.

Ongoing education is also important as it allows the surgeon to stay current with the latest techniques and technologies in their field.

 

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon can expect an average salary of approximately $463,890 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly depending on the surgeon’s level of experience, the geographic location of the practice, and the specific institution in which they are employed.

 

Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What is the difference between a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon and a General Pediatric Surgeon?

While both professions work with pediatric patients, the main difference lies in their areas of specialization.

A General Pediatric Surgeon handles a wide variety of surgical procedures in children, from minor conditions to serious diseases.

On the other hand, a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon specializes in diagnosing and surgically treating conditions of the chest, including the heart and lungs, in children.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon?

A Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon’s daily duties include consulting with patients and their families, conducting examinations, interpreting diagnostic tests, and performing surgical procedures.

They may also need to coordinate with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care and participate in rounds, medical conferences, and continuing education activities.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon?

A good Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon is meticulous, given the complexity of the surgical procedures they perform.

They are compassionate, patient, and have excellent communication skills to explain medical conditions and procedures to the child and their family.

They have a deep understanding of child-related illnesses and the unique needs of pediatric patients.

A willingness to stay updated with the latest medical advancements is also essential.

 

What are the educational requirements for a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon?

A Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon must have a medical degree from an accredited medical school, followed by a residency in general surgery.

After this, they need to complete a fellowship in pediatric thoracic surgery.

They must pass the certification exams administered by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or an equivalent board in other countries.

They also need to maintain their certification through continuous learning and re-examination periodically.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon?

Hiring a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon can be challenging due to the high level of specialized training required for the role.

The pool of qualified candidates is limited, and competition for experienced surgeons can be intense.

Offering competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for research and professional development, and a supportive work environment can help in attracting and retaining these professionals.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve opened the operating doors to reveal what it truly means to be a pediatric thoracic surgeon.

And guess what?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about carving a healthier future for our children, one intricate procedure at a time.

With our on-point pediatric thoracic surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take that crucial step.

But why stop there?

Dig further with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating precision-crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every surgical procedure is part of a larger mission.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Thoracic Surgeon (Complete Guide)

Job Juggernauts: The Careers That Are Dominating Discussions

The Thrilling Throng: Enjoyable Jobs That Are Always Exciting

Unusually Employed: The Most Bizarre Jobs in the World

Love Your Work: Enjoyable Jobs with Attractive Salaries