Are cardiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons the same?

Cardiothoracic Surgeons generally perform surgery of the heart and chest. Cardiologists work with surgeons to manage patients and determine whether the patient needs surgery.

Can a cardiologist be a cardiac surgeon?

Cardiologists typically refer people to a cardiac surgeon when the need arises, because most cardiologists do not perform heart surgeries themselves. They generally perform diagnostic tests and help people manage chronic heart conditions.

What skills do you need to be a cardiothoracic surgeon?

They need:

• Excellent manual dexterity.
• Good hand-eye coordination, good vision and good visual-spatial awareness.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills to deal with colleagues and patients.
• Good organizational ability.
• The ability to make decisions fast, even under pressure.

What do cardiothoracic surgeons operate on?

Cardiothoracic surgeons operate on diseases that occur in the organs inside the chest and in the bony structures and tissues that form the chest cavity. Coronary artery disease is one of the most common diseases treated by cardiothoracic surgeons.

What does a cardiothoracic surgeon do?

Cardiothoracic Surgeons generally perform surgery of the heart and chest. Cardiologists work with surgeons to manage patients and determine whether the patient needs surgery. They might also work together to treat irregular heart beat problems.

What is the difference between a cardiologist and a surgeon?

The cardiologist’s role is to evaluate and treat medically (without surgery) heart problems. Cardiologists also perform procedures, such as heart catheterizations, angioplasty (inserting balloons in arteries to clear them), and placing stents to keep arteries open. Cardiothoracic Surgeons generally perform surgery of the heart and chest.

What are the skills needed to become a cardiac surgeon?

If problems crop up during an operation, the cardiac surgeon has to take charge. The surgeon must make quick, calm decisions and communicate them to the surgical team. An aspiring cardiac surgeon may be able to develop skills such as leadership, organization and communication working with patients and other doctors.

How long does it take to become a cardiothoracic surgeon?

After the residency, the cardiac surgeon spends two to three years gaining further skills in a cardiothoracic fellowship. At some point after graduating med school, the candidate must take a medical licensing exam. State laws differ on the timing. A heart surgeon must also apply for certification as a medical specialist.