How to Become A Cardiothoracic Surgeon South Africa

A cardiothoracic surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in surgical procedures of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest.

Below is How to Become A Cardiothoracic Surgeon South Africa

Cardiothoracic surgeons focus their efforts on the organs, bony structure and tissues that form the chest cavity.

Many years of schooling are required to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Patience and intense focus are keys to remaining dedicated and consistent.

To be successful as a cardiothoracic surgeon, a person must possess physical skills, leadership abilities, and emotional capacity.

Cardiothoracic surgery is comprised of four main areas: general surgery, heart and lung transplants, surgery specific to adults, and congenital surgery. Within those areas, a surgeon can choose an area of the chest cavity to focus on.

The earnings potential and personal fulfillment for a cardiothoracic surgeon may more than offsets the years of schooling and associated expenses.

Advances in cardiothoracic surgery make this young and growing medical field safer than it has ever been. Four specific advances have improved survival rates for patients.

become a cardiothoracic surgeon

What is the focus of a cardiothoracic surgeon?

To become a cardiothoracic surgeon, you first have to be interested in the organs, bony structures and tissues that form the chest cavity. A cardiothoracic surgeon treats and provides surgical interventions for diseases occurring in these areas.

Cardiac and thoracic surgery are separate surgical specialties in some countries. they are usually combined. When considered separately, cardiac surgery involves surgery to the heart and large blood vessels. Thoracic surgery involves surgery to the lungs and other structures within the chest cavity.

Education needed to become a cardiothoracic surgeon in South Africa

The path to become a cardiothoracic surgeon is long, but rewarding. The first step is education.

Most students endeavoring to become cardiothoracic surgeons follow a road similar to this:

Obtain a 4-year undergraduate degree in pre-med with an emphasis on science.

Attend and graduate from a 4-year medical school.

Complete a 5-year general surgery residency program.

Enter a 2- or 3-year cardiothoracic surgery residency program, or enter a 6-year integrated cardiothoracic surgery residency.

What types of conditions do cardiothoracic surgeons treat in South Africa

Since the late 1940s, cardiothoracic surgery has experience brisk growth and fast-moving technological changes. The specialty is considered young and evolving as science and research reveal more about the cardiothoracic area of the body.

The field of cardiothoracic surgery includes:

Adult cardiac surgery.

Congenital cardiac surgery.

General thoracic surgery.

Heart and lung transplant surgery.

How long does it take to become a cardiothoracic surgeon?

Education Requirements

The educational process to become a cardiac surgeon is one of the longest in the medical field. Cardiac surgeons must complete four years of college, four years of medical school, a 5-year general surgery residency and a 2-3 year specialized cardio or cardiothoracic fellowship.

How much do heart surgeons earn in South Africa?

An early career Cardiac Surgeon with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R400,000 based on 11 salaries. A mid-career Cardiac Surgeon with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R500,000 based on 10 salaries.

How do I become a cardiothoracic surgeon?

How to become a cardiothoracic surgeon

Earn an undergraduate degree.

Volunteer at hospitals and clinics.

Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Graduate medical school.

Become a licensed physician.

Complete a general surgery residency.

Complete a cardiothoracic surgery fellowship.

Obtain board certification.

Who is the best cardiac surgeon in South Africa?

Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Dr Ca Verwoerd Dr Ca Verwoerd.

Dr Rajaruthnam.

Dr Ma Williams Dr Ma Williams.

Dr Nj Buckels Dr Nj Buckels.

Dr Lm Busse Dr Lm Busse.

Dr M Munasur Dr M Munasur.

Dr N Nicolaou Dr N Nicolaou.

Dr F Stemmet Dr F Stemmet.

How many years does it take to become a cardiothoracic surgeon in South Africa?

Currently, training in cardiothoracic surgery requires entry into a four-year programme post qualification.

The four-year training programme encompasses a three-part examination in General Surgical Principles Part I, Intensive Care Principles Part II and Cardiothoracic Surgical Adult and Congenital Surgery Part III.

How many years does it take to become a cardiologist in South Africa?

16 years

It takes 16 years to become a cardiologist in South Africa. South Africa currently has about 175 active, registered cardiologists practising in the country, of which only about 35 are in public service or working in training centres.

How long does it take to become a surgeon in South Africa?

To become a doctor in South Africa you have to study for 6 years (5 years at UFS) or 7 years if you are on the extended programme provided you do not fail any year.