Competitiveness of specialties

**Dr Noodle** · 16-01-2008, 12:54 AM

If you look at the ST3 competition ratios cardiothoracics it is 53.2 applicants per place.

Money? A lot of people need heart ops but apparently it's very routine and it's hard, hard work (long hours). The history behind it is fascinating but the ops themselves don't look very interesting though my opinion on that could change

Is it true James that there are less jobs now for CT surgeons cos most of the problems are sorted by cardiologists?

**Rich' Trash** · 16-01-2008, 01:05 AM

Originally Posted by Dr Noodle

Is it true James that there are less jobs now for CT surgeons cos most of the problems are sorted by cardiologists?

I've heard that too.. at least (none cardiac) thoracics will never be replaced.

**Dr Noodle** · 16-01-2008, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by Rich' Trash

I've heard that too.. at least (none cardiac) thoracics will never be replaced.

What are non-cardiac thoracics?

**Kinkerz** · 16-01-2008, 02:42 AM

I thought the competition for neurosurgery would be much hotter than that!

**alex MD** · 16-01-2008, 02:49 AM

[QUOTE]What are non-cardiac thoracics?[QUOTE]

Operations on the lungs and trachea etc

**James** · 16-01-2008, 11:51 AM

Yes, cardiothoracics is a dead specialty. There are huge numbers of fully trained consultants without jobs as there is no work for them. Mostly due to improvements in cardiac drugs and the cardiologists to more interventional work.

The ST3 (Registrar) competition ratios are more representative of the competition you guys will face after your three year core training program.

http://www.mmc.nhs.uk/Docs/st3_specialtysummary.pdf

**Pammy** · 16-01-2008, 12:00 PM

Does anyone know what the difference is between clinical oncology and medical oncology?!

**James** · 16-01-2008, 10:47 PM

Clinical Oncologists do Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy

Medical Oncologists only do chemotherapy, but are more academic and tend to be heavily involved in research trials.