Description

Cardiothoracic surgeons are in charge of performing clinical duties and cardiothoracic surgeries on behalf of their organization. They are generally responsible for providing excellent patient care, resolving inquiries as they arise, and leading a team of clinical professionals in and out the surgery room, so strong leadership skills are required to avoid incidents during treatment and surgery.These surgeons are highly organized and pay close attention to detail, and must follow strict safety and privacy procedures and respect patient confidentiality. They also follow up with post-surgery care and treatment options, oversee recovery advancement, read patient charts to recommend treatment options. Other primary responsibilities include recommending surgical treatments, transplanting ventricular assist devices, performing research on patients' illnesses, using specialized tools and clinical devices, and actively participating in peer reviews to recommend innovative solutions to cardiothoracic obstacles before and after operations.Cardiothoracic surgeons have expert knowledge of robotic techniques to perform surgery steps with the help of automated equipment, and also participate in training sessions to further their education and familiarize themselves with the latest technology in their field. They must work well with other surgeons to reach all objectives within specific time-frames, but also perform effectively on their own, as they work in a fast-paced environment which requires excellent multitasking skills. A medical degree in cardiology specializing in cardiothoracic surgery is required for this position, and prior work experience in a surgeon capacity is highly beneficial. Medical and leadership certifications are also helpful.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Cardiothoracic Surgeon with 3-6 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Perform complex surgical procedures on the heart and thoracic organs, such as coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair/replacement, and lung transplantation.You will be responsible for executing intricate surgeries involving the heart and thoracic organs, including procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valve repair/replacement, and lung transplantation.
  • Evaluate and diagnose patients with cardiovascular and thoracic conditions, utilizing medical imaging, diagnostic tests, and patient history.Your role involves assessing and diagnosing patients with cardiovascular and thoracic conditions by analyzing medical imaging, conducting diagnostic tests, and studying their medical history.
  • Provide pre-operative and post-operative care to patients, ensuring their well-being before, during, and after surgery.You will be responsible for offering comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care to patients, ensuring their overall well-being throughout the entire surgical process.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including anesthesiologists, nurses, and other specialists, to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, the following qualifications are required:

  • A Cardiothoracic Surgeon must hold a medical degree from an accredited institution, demonstrating a strong foundation in medical knowledge and practice.
  • Completion of a residency program in cardiothoracic surgery is essential to gain specialized knowledge and skills in surgical techniques related to the heart, lungs, and other thoracic organs.
  • Obtaining board certification from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery or a similar governing body is necessary to demonstrate competence and proficiency in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.
  • A Cardiothoracic Surgeon should possess exceptional surgical skills, including dexterity, precision, and the ability to handle complex procedures involving cardiac and thoracic surgeries.

Essential Skills For Cardiothoracic Surgeon

1

Medicine

2

Health Care

3

Medicines Management

Skills That Affect Cardiothoracic Surgeon Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Health Care

52%

Medicines Management

38%

Career Prospects

The role of a Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Australia, with 3-6 years of experience, is crucial in providing specialized surgical care. However, if you are looking for alternative roles within the healthcare industry, here are four options to consider:

  • Interventional Cardiologist: A role focused on performing minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat heart conditions, such as angioplasty and stent placement.
  • Cardiac Electrophysiologist: A position specializing in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders using techniques like ablation and implanting pacemakers.
  • Cardiovascular Researcher: A role dedicated to conducting research studies and clinical trials to advance knowledge in the field of cardiovascular medicine.
  • Cardiothoracic Nurse Practitioner: A position involving patient care coordination, pre and post-operative management, and collaborating with surgeons to provide comprehensive care for cardiothoracic patients.

How to Learn

According to Google, the projected growth of the cardiothoracic surgeon role in Australia appears to be steady. Over the past 10 years, the demand for these specialists has consistently increased with new advancements in medical technologies. The job prospects in this field are promising, indicating a positive future outlook. Although specific employment figures are not mentioned, the number of available opportunities is expected to rise, keeping pace with the growing healthcare needs of the population. These trends suggest a stable and potentially lucrative career path for cardiothoracic surgeons in Australia.