Cardiothoracic surgery is facing a multitude of challenges in leadership
and training on the global scale, these being a complex and aging
patient population, shortage of cardiac surgeons, diminishing student
interest and trainee enthusiasm, increasingly challenging training
obstacles and work-life imbalances, suboptimal job prospects, reports of
discrimination and bullying and lack of diversity as well as gap between
innovation and technology, clinical application, and training of future
surgeons. The survival of cardiac surgery hinges on the leadership
attracting and retaining young surgeons into the specialty. Mentoring,
leading through example, recognizing the work-life imbalances, adapting
to diverse and modern training models and embracing diversity with
respect to gender and race, will ultimately be required to create and
cultivate a nurturing environment of training and preparing future
leaders. The vision for training future generations of cardiothoracic
surgeons must rely heavily on strengthening the unity of the heart team.
In doing so we can provide the best possible care for our patients and a
most fulfilling career for the future generation of cardiac surgeons.