The future of cardiothoracic surgery: a view from North America.

Abstract

Cardiothoracic surgery is undergoing major changes related to evolving technology, changes in the educational paradigm and evolution of health care policy. Many see these changes as a threat to the stature and viability of cardiothoracic surgery. However, these changes create tremendous opportunity to broaden our skills and scope of practice, as well as to better prepare the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons for a successful career in helping patients with cardiothoracic disease.