Cardiothoracic Surgeon - Tung

The development of coronary angiography in 1958 by Frank Mason Sones, jr. was crucial to making procedures more widespread by allowing surgeons to visualize the coronary arteries.

Creative & Visual Skills
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Critical Thinking & Judgement
Emotional Intelligence & Personal Traits
Professional & Technical Knowledge
Organizational & Operational Skills
Physical & Situational Readiness

Where does this job happen?

Cardiothoracic surgeons primarily work in hospitals.

What do they actually do?

A cardiothoracic surgeon performs surgical procedures to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest.

What kind of person does this?

A cardiothoracic surgeon is typically an individual who is dedicated and embraces challenges because complications may and can occur any time during surgery and that is the type of challenge the surgeon needs to embrace and adapt.

What skills do you need?

To be a successful cardiothoracic surgeon, you need a unique combination of technical and personal skills such as exceptional manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination, ability to perform under pressure, problem-solving skills, etc.

How much money can you make?

The average annual salary for a cardiothoracic surgeon in the United States is approximately $367,474, as of June 2025. In Texas, the average annual pay is around $342,359. Top-earning surgeons, particularly those with extensive experience and board certification, can earn significantly more, often exceeding $1 million annually. Salary can vary based on location, experience, and the type of hospital or practice.