A cardiac surgeon has a job concerned with life-and-death matters. A booming field, cardiac surgeons use technological advances to perform surgery on the heart and lungs. Extensive education and experience are required to learn the skills of this profession, but the rewards include saving lives and a lucrative compensation package. Specializations like pediatric cardiology, vascular and interventional radiology and endovascular therapy have the potential to earn even higher salaries.
A cardiac surgeon performs a wide variety of invasive procedures related to the heart and lungs. Working 60 to 80 hours per week isn't uncommon in this profession. Depending upon the length of surgery, cardiac surgeons may perform two to four surgeries per day. Cardiac surgeons spend most of their time in a hospital setting, but they also see patients in outpatient clinics. A stress-laden job, cardiac surgeons use technology and learned skills to remove blockages, replace heart valves, repair heart defects and conduct heart and lung transplants. In addition to surgery, monitoring the well-being of patients is a high priority. After surgery, cardiac surgeons assess patients and intervene if they detect post-operative bleeding, stroke, fluid around the lungs or infection. Cardiac surgeons are leaders and manage a team of healthcare professionals during surgery. It's not uncommon for cardiac surgeons to be called upon for an emergency in the middle of the night.
Becoming a cardiac surgeon requires 15 years of education and practical experience. An undergraduate degree in biological sciences, bioengineering or pre-medicine provides a desirable foundation for medical school. Four years of medical school follows and includes topics like scientific principles of medicine, anatomy and physiology, immunology, disease processes and clinical management of patients. Laboratory and practical observation accompany classroom learning to gain a better understanding of medical specialties. After successful completion of medical school, you'll take a licensing exam and enter a five-year general surgery residency. This residency will provide an opportunity to learn surgical skills and perform surgery under the supervision of teaching faculty. A two- to three-year fellowship in a cardiothoracic discipline follows the residency. Finally, a peer review process is required for cardiac surgeons to be certified by the American Board of Medical Specialists.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the average annual wage of general surgeons was $251,890, or $121.10 per hour, in 2017. Cardiac surgeons have the potential to earn in excess of $425,509 once established in the profession.
Years of Experience
Experienced cardiac surgeons become renowned in the field and are more likely to be appointed to prestigious positions. Continued education, research and innovative practices are required to become accomplished as a cardiac surgeon. Some cardiac surgeons choose to become a faculty member after several years of experience.
Job Growth Trend
A 20 percent increase in available jobs in this profession is expected between now and 2026. By 2029, baby boomers will account for 10 percent of the population, and the need for cardiac surgery will rise. The rigor of the profession has influenced a decline in interest in cardiac surgery. These two factors have contributed to a need for more cardiac surgeons now and in the future.