Addressing the Impending Shortage of Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Numerous studies predict growing shortages in the physician workforce in the United States, especially among cardiothoracic surgeons. Moderator Alan M. Speir, MD (Inova Heart and Vascular Institute) and panelists J. Michael DiMaio, MD (The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano), Keith A. Horvath, MD (American Association of Medical Colleges), Stephen J. Lahey, MD (University of Connecticut), Ourania A. Preventza, MD (Michael DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center), and Raymond J. Strobel (medical student at the University of Michigan) discuss ways to address this impending shortage, including increasing the cap on residency slots, reducing the burden of training costs, and improving work-life balance.