How to become a "heart surgeon"

[abyshaky]

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hello..i will be starting medical school in the Fall of 2008. I really want to go into heart surgery..i know that after four years of med school this will probably change but ive always had a passion for the heart and so id really like to become a cardiothoracic surgeon or heart surgeon in general. Now my question is, and forgive me if this is stupid, how do actually become a "heart surgeon"..or what are the surgical disciplines I must go through before I can even call myself "a heart surgeon"...for instance..i graduate with my MD...and when I apply for residency matches..do I apply for general surgery first and then do a fellowship in cardiovascular surgery..or do i apply directly to cardiovascular surgery programs? Im pretty sure thoracic surgery involves..well the entire thorax..but id really really like to focus as mucha s i could on the heart and its surgical aspects..im just confused about the routes ill have to take..i was so banked on getting into med school that i did not take the time to look further..i know its too early to do so but i guess SDN is a good start..thanks everyone!

 

[butterfly0660]

First you have to do a general surgery residency, and then apply for a CT fellowship. I think there may be a few "fast track" programs where you don't have to do the entire 5 years of gen surg (or else they may just be talking about starting some).

 

[Winged Scapula]

Moving to Surgery Forum (where I suggest you do a search on CT Surgery and spend a few days reading the pleothora of hits)....