What does it take to be a thoracic surgeon?
Becoming a thoracic surgeon requires many years of education, surgical training, and specialized medical experience. Thoracic surgeons diagnose and treat diseases affecting the chest, including lung cancer, esophageal disorders, and other conditions involving the lungs and chest cavity.
Key Takeaways
- Thoracic surgeons complete extensive medical and surgical training
- Training typically includes college, medical school, residency, and fellowship
- Thoracic surgeons commonly treat lung cancer and chest diseases
- Modern thoracic surgery often uses minimally invasive techniques
- Thoracic cancer care frequently involves a multidisciplinary medical team
What Is a Thoracic Surgeon?
A thoracic surgeon specializes in surgical conditions involving:
- The lungs
- Esophagus
- Chest cavity
- Mediastinum
- Thoracic cancers
Many thoracic surgeons focus on:
- Lung cancer treatment
- Minimally invasive chest surgery
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Early cancer detection
How Long Does It Take to Become a Thoracic Surgeon?
Thoracic surgery training typically includes:
College
Most physicians complete:
- Four years of undergraduate education
Medical School
This is followed by:
- Four years of medical school
Surgical Residency
After medical school, physicians complete:
- General surgery residency training
Cardiothoracic Fellowship
Additional specialty training focuses on:
- Thoracic surgery
- Lung surgery
- Advanced chest procedures
Overall, the process often takes well over a decade of education and training.
What Conditions Do Thoracic Surgeons Treat?
Thoracic surgeons commonly treat:
- Lung cancer
- Lung nodules
- Esophageal conditions
- Chest tumors
- Benign lung diseases
Many patients undergoing thoracic surgery are older adults and may also work with:
- Pulmonologists
- Cardiologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
Treatment often involves a coordinated multidisciplinary care team.
How Has Thoracic Surgery Changed?
Modern thoracic surgery increasingly uses minimally invasive techniques such as:
- Thoracoscopy
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Advanced bronchoscopy
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
These approaches may help:
- Reduce recovery time
- Minimize pain
- Improve recovery after surgery
Some patients may return to normal activities within weeks after surgery.
Why Is Early Detection Important for Lung Cancer?
Early-stage lung cancer may sometimes be found incidentally during:
- Chest X-rays
- CT scans
- Preoperative imaging
- Lung cancer screening
Detecting lung cancer early may significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
About Dr. Michaela Straznicka
Dr. Michaela Straznicka is a board-certified thoracic surgeon at BASS Medical Group specializing in lung cancer evaluation, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and thoracic oncology care.
Video Transcript
Good morning. My name is Michaela Straznicka, and I’m a board-certified thoracic surgeon.
I have worked with BASS Medical Group for 20 years here at the Walnut Creek location.
My background includes attending college and medical school at the University of Miami.
I completed my general surgery training at UMDNJ in New Jersey, followed by a cardiothoracic fellowship at UC Davis in Sacramento.
I then began my career at MD Anderson in Texas before joining BASS Medical Group in 2003.
Medical school is challenging. It’s a commitment that lasts many years.
Most people complete four years of college, four years of medical school, and then a residency in their specialty field before they even begin working, often well into their late 20s or early 30s.
However, it’s a very rewarding career where you meet great people and take care of patients.
The majority of my patients are in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s.
Most of them see me for cancer care, though there are also benign diseases that require surgical attention.
If there is a cancer diagnosis, I work closely with a team of specialists, including medical oncologists and radiation oncologists, to develop the best treatment plan.
One of my biggest success stories comes from patients who undergo imaging for unrelated reasons and are found to have early lung cancer.
Catching cancer early can be life-saving.
Fortunately, with lung cancer screenings, more patients are being diagnosed earlier.
With today’s advancements, I have patients returning to work just two weeks after their curative cancer surgery.
Those moments are incredibly fulfilling for me.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a thoracic surgeon treat?
Thoracic surgeons treat conditions involving the lungs, chest cavity, esophagus, and thoracic cancers.
How many years does it take to become a thoracic surgeon?
Training often requires more than 10 years of education and specialized surgical training after high school.
Do thoracic surgeons treat lung cancer?
Yes. Lung cancer diagnosis and surgical treatment are major parts of thoracic surgery.
What is minimally invasive thoracic surgery?
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery uses smaller incisions and advanced surgical technology to perform chest procedures with less recovery time.
Medical Disclaimer: Content provided by BASS Medical Group is intended for general informational purposes only and does not establish a physician-patient relationship. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
