Milind Ranjit

ISM

Mrs. Britton

08/23/18

Research Assessment #1

 

 

The career of choice that I plan on pursuing is that of a surgeon, more specifically a Cardiothoracic surgeon. This field of medicine entails the surgical treatment of organs contained in the chest—generally treating conditions of the heart and lungs. To become a cardiothoracic surgeon, it is necessary to get a pre-med major and attend medical school. A cardiothoracic surgeon follows a path of first becoming a physician and then completes a general surgery residency (typically 5–7 years), followed by a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship (typically 2–3 years). Certification is determined by the number of surgeries performed as the operating surgeon, in addition to passing rigorous board certification tests. Recently, options for an integrated 6-year cardiothoracic residency have been established at many programs. Cardiac surgery training has the potential to be merged with thoracic surgery and/or vascular surgery; to be called cardiovascular (CV), cardiothoracic (CT), or cardiovascular thoracic (CVT) surgery. Cardiac surgeons may specialize by doing a fellowship in pediatric cardiac surgery, cardiac transplantation, adult acquired heart disease, weak heart issues, and many more problems related to the heart.

 

However, there are a few things that are recommended before an aspiring surgeon can become a certified surgeon. In high school it can be highly beneficial to have a focus on math and science courses. Especially science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics. Involvement in any medically related clubs like HOSA, or taking extra curriculars like CNA or Pharmacology courses can also prepare you specifically for a career in the medical field. In college, involvement in clubs and organizations related to medicine still help a tremendous amount, but what really matters is the major you choose. A major in biology, biochemistry, biomedical engineering, or neuroscience will put you on the exact track to prepare for medical school, and eventually become a doctor.

 

On a daily basis, a Cardiothoracic surgeon has an extremely busy schedule. Cardiothoracic surgeons handle daily patient histories, physical exams, patient rounds, patient education, and discharge summaries. On days with scheduled surgeries, they perform invasive procedures, such as thoracenteses, chest tube insertions, placement of central venous, dialysis and Swan-Ganz catheters, arterial lines and intra-aortic balloon pumps to name a few common procedures. Occasionally they will retrieve vascular tissue, saphenous veins and/or radial arteries, for use as a bypass conduit. They can also meet with attending surgeon and assist on emergency surgeries or have a few of their own. Cardiothoracic surgeons must also have extensive knowledge of the pharmacologic effects of vasoactive/cardiotonic drugs, ventilator management and artificial cardiac devices. Also, they manage other disease entities frequently encountered in the cardiac population, namely hypertension, diabetes, COPD, asthma, hypothyroidism and others. Many would consider this job to be highly taxing due to the long hours and extensive education. However, with a median salary of over $350,000 and the satisfaction of helping others heal, all the negatives dissolve.

 

The future of medicine is slowly making a transition to robotics, and automated treatments. In most fields from general treatments to neurosurgery, the implementation of automation in the medical field has already begun its course. However, in the specific profession of cardiothoracic surgery, the risk factors involved with the procedures have prevented the advancement of robotics. Because of the need for consistency and level of knowledge required to be a successful, safe practicing cardiothoracic surgeon, the risks involved with robotics put a stop to any automation related advancements in the near future, making it a realistically achievable job for people to work their way up to. There will most likly be a lot of changes in the future with the field of medicine, but more likely than not there will always be a need for a human on site during a surgery to make sure us doctors are still saving lives.