how long does it take to become a cardiothoracic surgeon
Education Requirements. The educational process to become a cardiac surgeon is one of the longest in the medical field. Cardiac surgeons must complete four years of college, four years of medical school, a 5-year general surgery residency and a 2-3 year specialized cardio or cardiothoracic fellowship.Surgeons who wish to specialize further in pediatric cardiology or heart transplant surgeries may require additional training.ll cardiac surgeons must be certified in surgery by the American Board of Medical Specialists before seeking further certification for cardiothoracic surgery. Accomplished cardiac surgeons may be elected to the American College of Cardiology and earn the Fellow of the American College of Cardiology (FACC) designation.