CARDIAC AND VASCULAR SURGERY

SELECTION, TRAINING  AND PERFORMANCE

Radu Deac,MD, PhD, Professor of Surgery,Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery,Institute  of Cardiovascular Diseases and Transplantation, TARGU MURES , ROMANIA

In time of dramatic changes in the world society, the important branches of surgery – cardiac and vascular surgery -  have to implement also important changes. Some of them refer to groups of pathology, new techniques for correction – hybrid operations –  new equipment, number of experts practicing  this type of  procedures  and of course  selection, training and performance of experts in the field of cardiovascular pathology.

Facing large groups of pathology at risk of morbidity and death, expert in the filed should be selected early from  students at lower level of training  based on native qualities and perspective of development in the future. They should be informed of aspects of activity in the field of cardiovascular diagnosis , treatment and  results. They also should  be informed about their future training and qualification.

Adequate training should offer the candidates access to the specific techniques and procedures applied in cardiovascular surgery after they have been exposed to all aspects of surgery in general. Training should include diagnosis and treatment of common  cardiac and vascular diseases from birth to adulthood, from simple  cardiac septal defects to complex cardiac substitution with artificial heart or heart transplantation. At this stage, candidates  to become cardiac surgical experts  should prove exceptional physical and mental qualities.

Above professional qualification they should be able to work under stressful condition during  cardiac procedures, to be able to work in a team of experts, to cooperate with other experts. They should enjoy the stimulus of medical research, continuous information and training during entire professional life. They also should be open to change, to be able to implement any changes required by the speciality of cardiovascular surgery, for the brigth future of this field. They  should expect moral and material satisfaction for an exceptional career in a very special domain of activity, similar to aviation in organization, discipline, regula-tions and bravery.  Performance and excellence are expected  in a field where human life is priceless.