About my career:
Cardiothoracic surgery, also known as heart surgery, chest surgery, and thoracic surgery, is the field of medicine involved in surgical treatment of organs within the thoracic and cardiac regions of the body. This practice is classified as one of the most difficult and demanding out of all standard surgery practices. “Only a minute fraction (less than half of one percent) of American medical students currently indicate an interest in pursuing training in cardiothoracic surgery” (CTSNet). This is due to the high amount of labor needed in order to receive a degree, the large amount of tuition fees, the time it takes to graduate (an average of 15-16 years after highschool), and the demanding amount of hours on the jobs. Demand for surgeons has been on the rise due to steady increase in heart diseases and other complications, yet supply of these surgeons has been slowly decreasing. Demand for surgeons within the cardiothoracic medical field increases along side with older generations as the aging population is more likely to develop a disease requiring treatment, surgery, or replacement.
Those within the career are responsible for treatment of diseases, monitoring patients in intensive care units, and aftercare. Surgeons within this field are expected to work in the theater at least once a day. Cardiothoracic surgeons are involved in the treatment and management of the many different conditions within their specialty. This involves attendance at outpatient clinics, multi-disciplinary team meetings and ward rounds (NHS Choices). The supply of surgeons within this field have been slowly declining over the past 10 years. The career benefits the public and consumers because “diseases of the chest are a major cause of illness and death throughout the world”(NHS Choices). Surgery not only adds to life expectancy by several years, but also increases quality of one’s life. Diseases take a toll on the body and by utilizing modern medicine, consumers can expect a better life.
Benefits:
As a Cardiothoracic Surgeon, I’ll be able to help others and potentially save lives.
- I’ll be able to earn a large sum of money with this career.
- Very challenging job with plenty of opportunities (CTSNet)
- Medical practices interest me.
- I won’t find the job boring due to the change in patients, issues, and the hand-on activities.
- This job is highly respected within the medical field.
- This job is also highly needed within the medical field.
Drawbacks:
Additional sixteen years of schooling
- Students loans will be expensive.
- Likelihood of a patient dying on the table.
- Less free time for myself and family.
- Unpredictable work schedule/burnout (Bizfluent)
- Must go through long surgeries (hours on end at times)
- High likelihood of being sued for malpractice. (Bizfluent)
Post-Secondary Options:
My first choice college would be University of Colorado, as out of state tuitions are high and CU offers 2 Biomedical Sciences Degree programs. Out of these programs, “36 students graduated in the study area of Biomedical Sciences with students earning 28 Bachelor's degrees, and 8 Master's degrees” (Universities.com).
My second choice would be Colorado State University. This college also offers two Biomedical Sciences Degree Programs. However, compared with CU, CSU had ”61 students graduated in the study area of Biomedical Sciences with students earning 61 Bachelor's degrees” (Universities.com)
Why I Want This Career:
I want this career because I’ve always been fascinated with medical careers. Any time a show displaying a medical team working together, I would watch in awe. I’ve always found organs within the body interesting enough and I never became squeamish at the sight of gore and blood. I personally would challenge myself by watching videos of surgeries. The surgeries would be of the brain, arm tendons, leg, chest cavity, and heart. Rather than shying away from the gore and blood, I would continuously search videos. Another reason I want this career is because of the money. No only will I be doing something I thoroughly enjoy but I’ll be making money doing it. Lastly, this career will allow me to improve the lives of others. I’ll be able to physically improve the lives of not only adults, but babies and children as well.
To Enter This Career, I Must:
Graduate High school
- Complete four years of College
- Receive a medical degree
- Receive a five year surgery residency and two to three year fellowship
- Receive a State license after completing residency and passing exams
- Have essential knowledge on Cardiac and lung anatomy, medical ethics, pharmacology (Study.com)
Sources:
“Best Biomedical Sciences Colleges in Colorado.” Universities.com, www.universities.com/find/colorado/best/biomedical-sciences-general-degrees.
“Cardiac Surgeons: Career Information for Becoming a Cardiac Surgeon.” Study.com, Study.com, study.com/articles/Cardiac_Surgeons_Career_Information_for_Becoming_a_Cardiac_Surgeon.html.
Cardiothoracic Surgery.” NHS Choices, NHS, www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/surgery/cardiothoracic-surgery.
Kouchoukos, Nicholas. “Why Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?” CTSNet, 1 June 2004, www.ctsnet.org/article/why-become-cardiothoracic-surgeon.
Sineriz, Melinda Hill. “What Are the Cons & Pros of Being a Surgeon?”
Bizfluent
, 4 Apr. 2018, bizfluent.com/info-7752596-cons-pros-being-surgeon.html.