Unlike general surgeons who may operate on most parts of the body, thoracic surgeons concentrate solely upon the following categories Cardiac Surgery - The surgical management of diseases of the blood supply to the heart, heart valves and the arteries and veins in the chest. A surgical field focusing on treatments for lung cancer emphysema, esophageal swallowing problems, esophageal cancer and gastroesophageal reflux. A broad yet highly specialized practice of medicine directed towards the correction of heart defects, and furnishing cardiovascular support to infants and children.
Thoracic surgeons are among the most highly educated specialists.
With more than 4,100 members, the Society for Thoracic Surgeons is the largest membership society for thoracic surgeons in the world. Representing the practice areas of cardiothoracic, general thoracic, pediatric thoracic, and transplant surgery, the society is committed to saving, extending, and improving the quality of life for all Americans.