I have been asked to write an “Opinion Piece” for this section of CTSNet especially addressing my thoughts and philosophy regarding a career in cardiothoracic surgery. After cogitating over this assignment for some time, I felt that I could not improve over the thoughts that I put forth in a letter to my son as he was embarking upon a career in medicine at The Royal College of Surgeons.
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Cardiac
October 11, 2004
When a student completes medical school and reflects on his or her future, that student must make a critical decision about whether to pursue a career as a primary care physician or a specialist.
August 27, 2004
In 1995 Hal Urschel, MD, past president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, served as the Schuster Visiting Professor at The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. During that visit he delivered Surgical Grand Rounds, and his address was entitled "Let's Bring the Magic Back". His remarks were insightful and stimulating, and they are pertinent to many of the issues facing the profession of Cardiothoracic Surgery today. We are pleased to reproduce them on CTSNet.
June 1, 2004
I believe this is the perfect time to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. I envy those who will have the privelege of practicing cardiothoracic surgery in the 21st century.
May 5, 1974
W. Gerald Rainer interviews Clarence Dennis on May 5, 1974. This is the fifth interview in the Pioneers of Cardiac Surgery series. Dr. Dennis discusses his role in the development of heart-lung bypass.
April 26, 1974
Theodore R. Sadler interviews Clarence Crafoord on April 26, 1974. This is the fourth interview in the Pioneers of Cardiac Surgery series. Dr. Crafoord discusses his career and the early days of cardiovascular surgery.
June 22, 1973
W. Gerald Rainer interviews Wilfred Bigelow on June 22, 1973. This is the third interview in the Pioneers of Cardiac Surgery series. Dr. Bigelow reflects on how his study of frostbite as a resident influenced his later experimentation on the effects of hypothermia on the body, and its clinical applications in open heart surgery.
April 12, 1973
W. Gerald Rainer interviews Dwight Emary Harken on April 12, 1973. This is the second interview in the Pioneers of Cardiac Surgery series. Dr. Harken shares the interesting story of how treating World War Two soldiers with shrapnel embedded in their chests helped to develop some of the earliest techniques in cardiac surgery.
March 4, 1973
W. Gerald Rainer interviews Henry Swan on March 4, 1973. This is the first interview in the Pioneers of Cardiac Surgery series. Dr. Swan discusses his career and the early days of cardiac surgery.