Specialty overview
Cardiothoracic surgeons diagnose, treat and surgically manage a broad spectrum of patients with congenital or acquired disorders involving the heart, great vessels, lungs and thorax. A cardiothoracic surgeon’s scope of work includes treating arrhythmias, blocked coronary arteries, heart failure, atrial and ventricular septal defects, pulmonary emboli, malignancies of the lung and pleura as well as traumatic injuries.
Clinical practice
Cardiothoracic surgeons work within both public and private facilities, undertaking both emergency and elective surgical services as well as post-operative and outpatient care. Cardiothoracic surgeons also often provide outreach surgical services to regional and rural patients. Procedures commonly performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon include coronary bypass surgery, aortic surgery, surgery for lung or other thoracic tumours, chest wall surgery as well as heart and lung transplantation surgery.
Key statistics
2023 QLD Training program selections(first year)
8
eligible
1
selected
Number of Queensland and Australian specialists
Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows
Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours
Information on specialists
-
Specialists over 60
This donut chart shows that 29% of specialists are aged over 60 years. -
Specialist intending to retire by 2032
This donut chart shows that 55% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032. -
Location in Queensland
This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 7.9% are located in regional Queensland, 92.1% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote regions. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities. -
Proportion Female/Male - QLD
94.7%
male5.3%
femaleThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 94.7%, Females are 5.3%. -
Public vs Private
36.8%
private63.2%
publicThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 36.8%, Public is 63.2%.
Information on trainees
-
Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland
50%
male50%
femaleThis doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 50%, Females are 50%. -
2023 QLD Training program selections (first year)
8
eligible1
selectedThis doughnut chart shows the number of 2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year). 8 Eligible applications were received, 1 of those were selected.