How to Become a Lung Surgeon

It can take up to 16 years to become a lung surgeon.

Lung surgeons are medical professionals who also specialize in procedures concerning other organs in the chest cavity, such as the esophagus, diaphragm and heart. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons states that lung surgeons are also called thoracic surgeons, general thoracic surgeons, cardiovascular surgeons or cardiothoracic surgeons. Those who want to specialize in lung surgery generally complete "sub-specialized" advanced training after finishing a residency program. In an article for "CTS Net," cardiothoracic surgeon Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD, states that becoming a lung surgeon is a lengthy process that is difficult, taxing and rewarding.

Instructions

1. Earn a bachelor's of science degree from an accredited university. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that you should take undergraduate courses that focus on biology, anatomy, physics, math and inorganic and organic chemistry. You should take social science and humanities courses as well, to round out your education. While a medical school may not specify that you need to take pre-med undergraduate courses, they will be helpful when you take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

2. Pass the MCAT exam before applying to a medical school. The MCAT website states that this exam tests writing, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The exam tests your knowledge of scientific principles and knowledge. The different areas of the exam are Verbal Reasoning, Writing Sample, Biological Sciences and Physical Science.

3. Apply to medical school. Admission to medical school is competitive. In addition to filling out applications to the medical schools of your choice, you must also provide your college transcripts and MCAT results. It is a good idea to provide letters of recommendation with your applications and to be prepared to interview with a college admissions committee.

4. Complete medical school to earn your degree as a medical doctor (MD). The first two years of medical school involve taking pharmacology, pathology, psychology, biochemistry, anatomy, medical ethics and laws, microbiology and physiology courses in classroom and laboratory settings. As you advance, you will learn how to examine patients, diagnose conditions and take medical histories. During your last two years of medical school, you will complete rotations in different medical practices, learn more about patient care and work hands-on with patients under the supervision of a physician.

5. Complete a residency program. The American Board of Surgery (ABS) states that you will need to complete a residency program that helps you specialize in both general and thoracic surgery. The general surgery residency program takes four years to complete, while the thoracic surgery residency takes an additional three years to complete.

6. Pass the ABS and American Board of Thoracic Surgery exams. The written part of the exam contains multiple-choice questions regarding different areas of surgery. The oral exam tests your ability to process clinical problems that may appear in surgery cases.

7. Get a medical license. Those wanting to practice medicine professionally must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The BLS states that you may also need to pass the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) exam to receive a certification in your specialty area of medicine.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics; Physicians and Surgeons; December 2009
• Association of American Medical Colleges: Getting Into Medical School
• The Society of Thoracic Surgeons: What is a Thoracic Surgeon?
• CTS Net; Why Become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon?; Nicholas T. Kouchoukos, MD; April 2011
• American Board of Thoracic Surgery; Examination Process; December 2010
• American Board of Surgery; Thoracic Surgery and General Surgery Joint Training Program; September 2008

Resources

• Medical College Admission Test: About the MCAT Exam