When someone hears the term “thoracic surgeon,” they often think of a doctor who can treat and cure lung diseases. However, there is more to a thoracic surgeon than just this.
Common Thoracic Surgery Procedures
Whether a physician or patient, thoracic surgery is essential to your healthcare. The medical specialty specializes in treating diseases of the lungs, chest wall, esophagus, mediastinum, and diaphragm. A thoracic surgeon can treat conditions such as pneumonia, lung cancer, emphysema, and swallowing difficulties.
In the United States, thoracic surgeons like Armen Parajian perform over 135 operations per year. Most thoracic surgeons are male. Ninety-two percent of cardiothoracic surgeons are male. The average age of a cardiothoracic surgeon is 56 years old.
A thoracotomy is a standard thoracic surgery procedure. It is a surgical incision that opens the chest wall to allow for access to the aorta, lungs, heart, and throat. This incision is very painful and requires aggressive pain control.
Bronchoscopy is another thoracic surgery procedure. It allows doctors to view the lung and obtain tissue samples for biopsy. It can also be used to evaluate tumors and perform treatments.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgery. It uses a video camera to perform surgery through small incisions. It is used for lobectomy, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, and mediastinoscopy.
The da Vinci robotic technology is used to perform the precise surgical biopsy. It is also used in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. It is the most popular thoracic surgery procedure.
Responsibilities of a Thoracic Surgeon
Surgical procedures performed by thoracic surgeons involve treating diseases related to the lungs, chest, and heart. They also work to prevent or treat conditions related to the esophagus, trachea, and mediastinum.
Thoracic surgery is one of the most demanding specialties in the medical field. A surgeon must have excellent hand-eye coordination, manual skill, and the ability to work quickly under pressure. They also need good teamwork skills, as they often interact with patients and other team members. They must wear sterile gowns and gloves and take precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
Thoracic surgeons are trained to perform various surgical procedures, such as cardiac surgeries, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication, primary repair, and valve replacement. They must also know about chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and respiratory support systems.
A thoracic surgeon’s job involves a lot of interaction with patients. They frequently consult with other physicians and are on call for emergencies 24 hours a day. They are also required to keep up with medical advances and work trends. They also manage all aspects of the thoracic surgery operating environment.
Many thoracic surgeons specialize in specific areas of thoracic surgery, such as emphysema, heart transplants, lung cancer, and tracheal anomalies. They are required to have a bachelor’s degree and 13 to 16 years of medical training.
The Salary Range for a Thoracic Surgeon
Several factors affect your salary if you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Thoracic Surgeon or have already landed the position. While the average thoracic surgeon’s salary is between $297,144 and $448,520, the upper ten percent can make as much as $637,000. Increasing pay as a Thoracic Surgeon is possible in many different ways. You can move up in rank, change employers, gain experience, or become a head of cardiothoracic surgery.
If you’re interested in a career as a thoracic surgeon, you’ll need to earn a doctor of medicine degree. You’ll also need to attend a two-year thoracic surgery residency. Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll need to get a license from your state. The licensing process varies by state.
In addition to their base salary, thoracic surgeons can increase their income through yearly bonuses. Most cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgeons report getting at least one annual bonus. Some receive two or three bonuses, while others receive a bonus every year. Depending on the hospital and your employer, your bonuses could range from $1,000 to $75,000 a year.
Some of the more popular benefits that cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgeons receive include life insurance, disability insurance, 401(k) plans, and malpractice insurance. The amounts you receive in these benefits will vary depending on your employer and professional experience.
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