Specialty Highlight: Cardiothoracic surgery and locum tenens

Locum tenens work is booming as the U.S. continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and Cardiothoracic Surgeons are needed in different types of practice settings throughout the country. Cardiothoracic surgeons who complete medical school and their residency hold a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, and can take a variety of locum tenens assignments in order to ease the burden on our health systems and clinicians. 

Cardiothoracic surgery demand will only continue to surge, and physicians in this specialty have the unique opportunity to choose when and where they work. 

Background on Cardiothoracic Surgery - Salary, Demand, and More 

According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, “a Cardiothoracic Surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in surgical procedures of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. This includes surgeons who can be called cardiac surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, general thoracic surgeons, and congenital heart surgeons.”  

These specialized surgeons treat a variety of diseases and play an integral role on the healthcare team. Because of their unique skills and knowledge, cardiothoracic surgeons are in demand throughout the country.  

According to an article published in the American Heart Association (AHA) Journal in 2009, entitled “Shortage of Cardiothoracic Surgeons Is Likely by 2020,” the authors project that, “by 2025, the demand for cardiothoracic surgeons could increase by 46% on the basis of population growth and aging if current healthcare use and service delivery patterns continue.

“The United States is facing a shortage of cardiothoracic surgeons within the next 10 years, which could diminish quality of care if non–board-certified physicians expand their role in cardiothoracic surgery or if patients must delay appropriate care because of a shortage of well-trained surgeons.” 

The projections have proven true and fast forward to this year, and the U.S. is in the midst of a nationwide physician shortage, including cardiothoracic surgeons. Because this skill set is in such demand and we are in the midst of a global pandemic, Cardiothoracic surgeons can expect to earn even more compensation doing locums work -- which often offers higher pay rates for holidays and shift work.  

FIND an Cardiothoracic surgeon job with Staff Care. 

According to Salary.com, the average yearly compensation for these physicians is anywhere from $300,000 to well over $700,000. Locum tenens providers have the opportunity to increase their pay even more.  

Is Locum Tenens Work a Good Fit for You as a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

If you’re adaptable, flexible and eager to take your career in a new direction, then work as a locum tenens provider could be an excellent fit for you. You’ll also know you are making a difference in real time. Whether you are a newer surgeon or you have years and years of clinical experience under your belt, it will be essential that you will be comfortable working in a different environment with new systems, tools and procedures. This will require you to call on your skills and experience to adapt in the dynamic patient care setting.  

Also, if you have a desire to explore the country and try out new places to live and work, then this career path will definitely be a match for you. Locums assignments last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, giving you the ability to “try out” a new city or town before making a major commitment to move anywhere.  

Cardiothoracic Surgery and Locum Tenens

Cardiothoracic Surgeons possess the skills, clinical knowledge and experience that every locum tenens assignment requires. Locum tenens jobs are a great opportunity to advance your skills, expand clinical knowledge, gain exposure to different technologies and help patients and staff when they need it the most. Additionally, Cardiothoracic surgery and locum tenens work also offers a variety of other benefits such as competitive compensation, schedule flexibility and insurance coverage. 

Are you interested in learning more about Cardiothoracic surgery and locum tenens? Cardiothoracic surgery demand is experiencing tremendous growth and you can browse our plethora of job opportunities and sign up for job alerts online to stay in the know. Connect with a recruiter at Staff Care today to get started on your next locum tenens assignment.