Background: Cardiothoracic (CT) surgery is a dynamic and demanding specialty, which is popular amongst medical students thus, posing as a favourable career choice for many. However, there is a significant proportion of medical students who prefer to choose other specialities instead, for different reasons. Aim of the study: This review aims to identify factors affecting the uptake of cardiothoracic surgery as a career by medical students, junior doctors and trainees globally. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and CINAHL using specific keywords including “cardiothoracic surgery” AND “medical student” AND “career”. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also developed to ensure only relevant studies were used for the paper. Information on the perspectives, knowledge, and beliefs on cardiothoracic surgery amongst medical students and trainee doctors worldwide was collected. Results: Most data was sourced from UK and US-based studies with only a minority of literature from other parts of the world. Uptake of cardiothoracic surgery amongst medical students, junior doctors and trainees is generally low, on a global level. Deterring factors identified from this review included work-life balance, professional satisfaction, lifestyle, and family planning, the latter being especially important for female medical students. Conclusion: Although job posts are still being filled, the increasing numbers of medical students losing interest in a career in cardiothoracic surgery needs to be addressed. Areas of future research into this area would be to re-assess medical school curricula and opportunities to engage more in the field whilst at medical school and beyond.
