Cardiothoracic Surgery

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.

Cardiothoracic Surgery – Information

Number of specialists - QLD (2021)

Number of new fellows - QLD

Number of specialists - AUS (2021)

Number of new fellows - AUS

Average weekly hours
QLD

Average Age
QLD

% Aged 60+
QLD

55% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032

Proportion Female/Male - QLD

Male
Female

Location - QLD

Regional
Major cities

Public/Private QLD

Private
Public

Number of trainees - QLD

Number of new trainees - QLD

Number of trainees - AUS

Number of new trainees - AUS

Proportion Female/Male trainees - QLD

Female
Male

2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year)

Eligible Applications Received
Applicants Selected

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2023 to the total number of eligible applications*

The data was sourced from the relevant medical specialist college, or from selection committees coordinated by a Queensland Health pathway/network, or an individual facility.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This data reflects a point in time figure for the selection of applicants commencing the first year of an accredited training program in the 2023 clinical year.

* eligible applications are determined by selection committees according to the eligibility criteria and required documentation prescribed by the relevant medical specialist college.

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2023 to the total number of eligible applications.

See more.

College

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

Length of Training

6 years full-time

Method of Allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • College
  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)
  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACS.

Training program overview

Cardiothoracic surgery trainees are selected directly into the sub-specialty and progress through the Surgical Education and Training (SET) program, an integrated program designed to provide clinical and operative experience to enable trainees to manage both cardiac and thoracic conditions that relate to the specialty. The main components of SET training are placements in hospital posts, short courses (skills and specialty-specific), research and assessments. Upon completing all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS).

Eligibility

Applicants must have permanent residency or citizenship of Australia and New Zealand at the time of registration and hold general (unconditional) medical registration in Australia or general scope or restricted general scope registration in the relevant specialty in New Zealand. Applicants are also required to have successfully completed the RACS Hand Hygiene Learning Module and RACS Operating with Respect eModule, and have passed the RACS Generic Surgical Sciences Examination (GSSE) at time of registration or by close of SET applications. For 2023 SET Selection (2024 intake), successful completion of the RACS Clinical Exam (CE) is preferred but not compulsory. From 2024, successful completion of the CE will be a mandatory eligibility requirement. In addition, applicants must provide evidence that they have performed certain procedural skills. Further details are available from RACS.

Flexibility

Minimum 50% of full-time commitment however trainees must apply to the relevant specialty board at least 6 months prior to the proposed commencement of part-time training. Training must be completed within 10 years.

Interrupted training

Trainees must apply to the relevant specialty board at least 6 months prior to the commencement of the training year in which the proposed interruption will commence. Trainees applying for interruption due to medical reasons (illness, family leave) may do so at any time if supported by medical evidence. Applications for interruption must be for periods in multiples of 6 months.

Click a location to learn more
Regional Training Pathways

Explore postgraduate training pathways in regional Queensland.

Visit Northern Queensland Regional Training Hubs

Visit The University of Queensland Regional Training Hubs