Thoracic Surgeon

A thoracic surgeon operates on the organs inside the chest, most often the lungs, esophagus, and chest wall, and in some programs the heart as well. Your work includes removing diseased lung tissue, treating tumors, repairing injuries, and performing procedures through small incisions with cameras and specialized instruments. You also see patients in clinic before and after surgery, review scans, meet with oncologists, pulmonologists, and anesthesiologists, and talk with families about risks and options. Much of your time is spent in the operating room, the intensive care unit, and the hospital, and the work includes on-call hours.