A heart surgeon often uses complex mechanical techniques, such as endoscopy.
A heart surgeon -- professionally referred to as a cardiac or cardiothoracic surgeon -- performs operations on the heart, pulmonary system, esophagus and blood vessels in the chest cavity. These operations include the replacement of heart valves, bypasses of blocked coronary arteries, the installation of a pacemaker and aortic surgery. The surgeon diagnoses afflictions, performs surgeries and monitors the efficacy of a procedure in the post-operative phase. The high level of skill and knowledge demanded by the role require many years of education and training.
High School
Because becoming a heart surgeon requires attendance at college and medical school, a good grade point average in a high school diploma or general education diploma program is essential. The better a candidate's performance at high school, the better his chances of securing a place at his preferred college. All-around academic performance is ideal, although the sciences, mathematics and English are particularly relevant to his future career. A candidate may also wish to undertake of course in CPR or first aid during his spare time.
College
A candidate can major in any subject at college; however, many potential heart surgeons choose to major in one of the science subjects -- biology, physics or chemistry. All candidates should take courses in those subjects, as well as calculus, English, computer sciences and any pre-med courses offered by the educational institution.
Medical School
In the final year of college, a candidate should sit for the Medical College Admission Test administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges. She should then apply for a place at a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. A course at medical school lasts four years and teaches the candidate all aspects of general medicine. A candidate should expect to undertake classroom and laboratory work alongside practical training in a clinical environment.
Surgery Residency
Having graduated from medical school, a future heart surgeon must undertake a residency in general surgery. This is an employment position within a medical or clinical environment that involves further training. A general surgery residency usually lasts for five years and a candidate will rotate around different surgery specialities, including cardiothoracic surgery, working under the supervision of qualified health practitioners. A candidate will also perform further theoretical research.
License
A candidate needs to be licensed by the state he wishes to work in to be able to practice as a surgeon. Licensure typically involves submission of medical school results, evidence of surgical residency and written examinations. A candidate may also need to sit for examinations in jurisprudence. A licensed practitioner may also wish to apply for certification by the American Board of Surgery. While not legally obligatory, this certification -- gained by passing an ABS-administered exam -- demonstrates to employers a high level of training, as the ABS is considered a standard bearer for the profession.
Heart Surgery Residency
The final step to becoming a heart surgeon is to undertake a residency in cardiothoracic surgery. Like a general medical residency, this is an employed position working under the instruction of a qualified heart surgeon. Typically, a residency lasts between two and three years. At the end of the residency, a candidate must pass the certification examination administered by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
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