Our Summary

This research paper gives an update on the status of women in cardiothoracic (CT) surgery over the last 10 years. An anonymous online survey was sent to female CT surgeons to gather information about their careers, including their demographics, training, awards, work details, and job satisfaction. The results were then compared to another survey from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.

Out of 354 female surgeons, 176 responded. Most of them were between 36 to 50 years old, white, and had graduated from traditional medical programs. They mainly worked in cities and in academic settings. Their salaries varied, with half earning between $400,000 and $700,000 per year; however, about 38% of them reported earning less than 90% of what their male colleagues made. Among respondents in academia, 21.6% held the rank of full professor, and over half reported being in a leadership role.

While most of them would choose a career in CT surgery again, only about 27% felt that CT surgery was a positive and healthy work environment for women.

In conclusion, even though there are more women in CT surgery than before, and they are taking on more leadership roles, issues like pay inequality and a challenging work environment are still preventing the field from becoming more diverse.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of the anonymous online survey sent to female cardiothoracic surgeons?
  2. What is the reported average salary for female cardiothoracic surgeons, and how does this compare to their male counterparts?
  3. What are the challenges women are facing in the field of cardiothoracic surgery, according to the survey?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing thoracic surgery to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including fasting guidelines and medication instructions. It is also important to communicate any concerns or questions with the surgical team before the procedure. After surgery, following post-operative care instructions, including proper wound care and physical therapy, is essential for a successful recovery. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help improve overall outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thoracic surgery are those with conditions affecting the organs within the chest cavity, such as the lungs, esophagus, and heart. Some common conditions that may require thoracic surgery include lung cancer, esophageal cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart diseases such as coronary artery disease or valvular heart disease. Patients with these conditions may benefit from thoracic surgery to remove tumors, repair or replace damaged organs, improve lung function, or treat heart conditions. Thoracic surgery may also be recommended for patients who have experienced chest trauma or have certain congenital abnormalities affecting the chest organs. The decision to recommend thoracic surgery for a patient is typically based on their specific condition, overall health, and the potential benefits of the surgical intervention.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a condition that requires thoracic surgery, such as lung cancer or a collapsed lung.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and consultations with their surgical team to prepare for the procedure.
  3. Patient may undergo physical therapy or other interventions to optimize their health before surgery.

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Patient is monitored closely in the intensive care unit immediately after surgery for any complications.
  2. Patient may experience pain, difficulty breathing, and limited mobility in the days following surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes post-operative care, including physical therapy and medication management, to aid in their recovery.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor their progress and address any concerns.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may undergo additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on their condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about thoracic surgery include:

  1. What specific type of thoracic surgery procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or less invasive procedures available for my condition?
  6. What is the success rate for this type of surgery in patients with similar conditions to mine?
  7. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  8. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  9. What kind of post-operative care and follow-up appointments will be necessary?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Ceppa DP, Antonoff MB, Tong BC, Timsina L, Ikonomidis JS, Worrell SG, Stephens EH, Gillaspie EA, Schumacher L, Molena D, Kane LC, Blackmon S, Donington JS. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2022 Mar;113(3):918-925. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.03.091. Epub 2021 Apr 20. PMID: 33857495