Opportunities for Advancement
All surgeons start out from scratch after completing medical school. In the case of cardiothoracic surgery, they must complete four years of general surgery practice and then two years in the fellowship program for the cardiothoracic speciality. After finishing the fellowship, the fellow must take the final examination administered by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery in order to become a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon. Their advancement in their field of surgery does not end there. As they climb through new levels and get around certain obstacles with their surgeries, they will be able to reach the position of the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery in their place of occupation. If they climb up further, with more leadership skills to offer to others, they have the ability to rise to the top position in a given hospital for the field of surgery. This top position is known as "Chief of Surgery." The Chief is in charge of overlooking the other surgeons to see if they are following the standard rules and procedures. In order to rise to this position, an individual must have effective communication and leadership skills, and the knowledge and wisdom of being a surgeon for quite sometime.