*This service is available for patients located in majority of 50 US states as well as for all international patients.
*In certain instances we may require a referral from your primary physician (you will be notified if this is the case).
*You can request either a written second opinion report or a phone consultation
*You will be connected with a Board Certified physician in the above specialty. We do not guarantee a consultation with any specific physician.

NATURE OF THE WORK

A thoracic surgeon provides the operative, perioperative care, and critical care of patients with acquired and congenital pathologic conditions within the chest. Included are the surgical repair of heart lesions as well as congenital and acquired conditions of the heart, including the pericardium, coronary arteries, valves, and myocardium. It also includes pathologic conditions of the lung, esophagus, and chest wall; abnormalities of the great vessels, tumors of the mediastinum; and diseases of the diaphragm and pericardium. Management of the airway and injuries of the chest are within the scope of the specialty.¹

Thoracic surgeons can receive training in the following subspecialty:

congenital cardiac surgery, which involves operative treatment of structural abnormalities involving the heart and major blood vessels.

TRAINING/RESIDENCY INFORMATION

Residency training in thoracic surgery is six to eight years.

References 
1 The American Board of Medical Specialties. Guide to Physician Specialties. Evanston, IL: American Board of Medical Specialties; February 2008. 
2 Association of American Medical Colleges. Report on Medical School Faculty Salaries 2009–2010. Washington, DC: AAMC; February 2011.