Also known as a cardiac surgeon, heart surgeons are specialized doctors who perform surgeries to treat cardiac diseases and congenital disorders. They are the ones with the ability to improve and save a patient’s life, thereby increasing longevity of the cardiac system.

Like all other surgeons, cardiac surgeons have potential to earn a hefty amount for every surgery they perform in a public or private hospital. They work for long hours including nights and weekends. According to a survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgeons earn some of the highest wages among all occupations, with a yearly earning of or greater than $187,200.

Cardiac surgeons perform coronary artery bypass surgery, heart transplants, and valve replacements. For becoming a cardiac surgeon, first a doctorate degree in medicine is needed. Then it is required to practice medicine

Eligibility For Studying Cardiac Surgery

First, one needs to have an MBBS degree from any medical institute that is registered under the Medical Council of India. It follows with a three year MS in General Surgery. The aspirant must complete three-year MCh in Cardiology after completing MS in General Surgery. An MD or MS or DNB needs an aggregate of 55 percent and needs to have permanent registration with the Medical Council of India or a State Medical Council. They need to have two years of surgical experience. The Indian constitution has reserved seats for the physicians coming from a background of financial instability.

Some of the Important Entrance Examinations for Studying Cardiac Surgery

• All India Institute for Medical Science Entrance Exam
• Apollo Hospitals Entrance Exam
• Banaras Hindu University Entrance Examination
• Calcutta University Entrance Examination
• Dr. D. Y. Patil University Entrance Exam
• Indian College of Cardiology Entrance Exam
• Institute Of Medical Sciences Entrance Exam
• All India Post Graduate Medical Entrance Examination
• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Post Graduate

Career Prospects

After completing cardiac surgery course, cardiac surgeons get employment opportunity in hospitals in the cardiothoracic department, cardiac rehabilitation centers, medical laboratories, surgical equipment, clinics, etc. They can also be hired in defense services, research work and lectureship in medical colleges. One of the most common trends among cardiac surgeons is private practice and self-employment.

Education

The major subjects that a cardiac surgeon learns during studying cardiac surgery are ICU Procedures, Emergency Room Procedures, Pre-Operative Workup, Minor O.T. procedures, General Surgical Operative Procedures, Post-Operative Care, Major Operating Room Techniques, and Specialty Procedures for Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Some of the associated branches with cardiac surgery are nuclear cardiothoracic surgery (centers around proper circulation of blood in heart), electrophysiology (focuses in electrical functioning of heart), interventional cardiothoracic surgery (stent insertion and angioplasty), and pediatric cardiothoracic surgery (treatment of children with heart diseases).

Some of the successful candidates in cardiac surgery pursue fellowship in pediatric cardiac surgery, cardiac transplantation and research in cardiac surgery.

Many medical institutes impart education on cardiac surgery. Some of the important ones are All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Christian Medical College, Armed Forces Medical College, and Maulana Azad Medical College.

The main private hospitals that hire cardiac surgeons are Fortis Healthcare, Max Healthcare, Care Hospitals, Indian Council of Medical Research, Apollo Hospitals, Kailash Hospital, Adecco India Private Limited, Jaypee Healthcare Limited, and Meditrina Hospitals Private Limited.