Question 1

what is the difference between a cardiothoracic surgeon, heart surgeon, cardiac surgeon, cardiovascular surgeon, or a thoracic surgeon? or same thing?

Accepted Answer

Same thing: "thoracic surgeon" is the easiest way to say it, because the surgeon operates on the heart, lungs, and other structures in the chest (thorax). However, many people don't know what the word "thoracic" means, so "cardiac surgeon" is more easily understood by the general population. "cardiothoracic" has a lot of syllables.

Question 2

is a cardiothoracic surgeon the same as vascular surgeon, thoracic surgeon, cardiovascular surgeon, cardiac surgeon, etc.. what are there difference?

Accepted Answer

Some differences: Cardio = heart
thoracic = chest (thorax)
vascular = blood vessels (vasculature)

there is some crossover but as surgery becomes more complicated the training and specialization become more narrowed.

Question 3

who is the best cardiothoracic surgeon in indiana?

Accepted Answer

Specific names: Mark Stout, Indiana University

Marc Gerdisch, Cardiac Surgery Associates

Brad Blakeman, Cardiac Surgery Associates

I have known all three, and have watched them operate for many years.  Absolutely top notch, excellent track records STS numbers, and capable of handling the most difficult cases.

Question 4

can you suggest some good schools for an aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Barnes-Jewish Hosp: Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University;  Cleveland Clinic.

Question 5

what is the difference between a cardiac surgeon and a cardiothoracic surgeon? or is it the same thing? thank you.

Accepted Answer

Same thing: The american board of thoracic surgery certifies cardiothoracic surgery training.  Cardiac surgery and cardiothoracic surgery are synonyms.  Some thoracic surgeons do not operate on the heart.

Question 6

husband had  a consult w/ cardio thoracic surgeon. but md did not examine him; instead, md relied on rn's intake. shouldn't the guy have examined him?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Even if the cath data or the results of other tests was all he really needed, the surgeon should have performed an exam, imo. It is poor medicine if you are a surgeon who totally relies on the exam of others.

Question 7

4 years college 4 years medical school, how many years after that to become a board certified cardio thoracic surgeon? how about a bc plastic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Several: General surgery 5-7 years
cardiothoracic  2-3 more

plastic  5-7 depending on program
 there is a book listing all the programs.

Question 8

what does it take to be a cardiothoracic surgeon? what are good reasons as to why i should major in surgery, what's the hardest part?

Accepted Answer

4 Years of: College, 4 years medical school, 5 years surgical residency, 2-3 years cardiac surgery residency. High malpractice insurance and long hours.

Question 9

activities for a thoracic surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Chest problems: A thoracic surgeon treats problems involving the chest wall, lungs, esophagus, and in some cases, the heart and great vessels. That is usually done by thoracic surgeons who specialize in heart surgery only.

Question 10

how do i know exactly what is a thoracic surgeon and what do they do?

Accepted Answer

See details: A thoracic surgeon is one who operatively treats problems that arise in the chest cavity.

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Doctor answers about:

Cardiovascular surgeon vs cardiothoracic surgeon

A member asked:

What is the difference between a cardiothoracic surgeon, heart surgeon, cardiac surgeon, cardiovascular surgeon, or a thoracic surgeon? or same thing?

A member asked:

Is a cardiothoracic surgeon the same as vascular surgeon, thoracic surgeon, cardiovascular surgeon, cardiac surgeon, etc.. what are there difference?

A member asked:

Who is the best cardiothoracic surgeon in indiana?

A member asked:

Can you suggest some good schools for an aspiring cardiothoracic surgeon?

A member asked:

What is the difference between a cardiac surgeon and a cardiothoracic surgeon? or is it the same thing? thank you.

A member asked:

Husband had a consult w/ cardio thoracic surgeon. but md did not examine him; instead, md relied on rn's intake. shouldn't the guy have examined him?

A member asked:

4 years college 4 years medical school, how many years after that to become a board certified cardio thoracic surgeon? how about a bc plastic surgeon?

A member asked:

What does it take to be a cardiothoracic surgeon? what are good reasons as to why i should major in surgery, what's the hardest part?

A member asked:

Activities for a thoracic surgeon?

A member asked:

How do i know exactly what is a thoracic surgeon and what do they do?

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