Scalpels. Scrub rooms. Sleepless nights.
What does it take to step into one of the most demanding roles in medicine? In this episode, we explore the path to becoming a cardiothoracic registrar—where precision, pressure, and personal growth go hand in hand.
We talk panic moments, pivotal mentors, and the heart-stopping reality behind the glamour of high-stakes surgeryWe’ll talk about the learning curve, the challenges of high-stakes environments, and the moments that test your confidence—and your commitment. Hear firsthand experiences, advice for trainees, and what it's really like behind the theatre doors.
Recorded at the annual Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery (SCTS) Conference in Edinburgh!
Here are some terms and definitions that is mentioned in the podcast!
- ST1–6 (Specialty Trainee Years 1 to 6 – for Cardiothoracic Surgery)Denotes the levels of postgraduate surgical training in the UK, from CT (core training) 1-equivalent entry (ST1) through to the final surgical year (ST6).
There are 2-3 phases: Phase 1 (General Cardiothoracic Training):This phase focuses on gaining a broad understanding of both cardiac and thoracic aspects. Phase 2 (Specialty Pathway):Trainees choose to specialise in either cardiac or thoracic surgery, developing in-depth knowledge and skills in their chosen area- Baby Registrar (Surgical Registrar)An informal term for a newly promoted surgical registrar, typically in their first 3 years of registrar training, while they’re still gaining confidence in operative and on-call decision-making.
- OOP (Out of Programme – Surgery)A period during surgical training when a trainee steps out of their programme—for research (e.g. a clinical fellowship), specialist observerships abroad or additional qualifications—while retaining their substantive surgical training number for return.
- SHO (Senior House Officer – Surgical SHO)A historical grade for junior surgical doctors (pre-Foundation changes), now largely equivalent to FY2/Core Surgical Trainee. Surgical SHOs rotated through on-call, ward and theatre duties before applying to higher surgical training.
- Core Trainee (CT1–2 – Core Surgical Training)A doctor who has completed FY2 and is undertaking two years of Core Surgical Training, rotating through a range of surgical specialties (e.g. vascular, orthopaedics, general) before applying to ST3 in Higher Surgical Training.
- Consultant (Surgical Consultant)A senior surgeon who has completed all surgical training (CCT), holds full GMC specialist registration, leads the multidisciplinary team, performs complex operations and supervises registrars and trainees.
- ANP (Advanced Nurse Practitioner – Surgical ANP)A senior nursing role in surgery with advanced clinical skills—such as pre- and post-operative assessment, wound management and initial management of surgical emergencies—often running nurse-led clinics or assisting on wards.
- Gen Surg (General Surgery Post)A surgical specialty post dealing with management of abdominal, breast, skin, endocrine conditions
- Chest DrainA tube inserted through the thoracic wall into the pleural space—often under local anaesthetic in theatre or on the ward—to evacuate air, blood or fluid after trauma or surgery, allowing lung re-expansion.
- Subcutaneous EmphysemaThe presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues, often tracking from a ruptured viscus or following chest drain insertion; presents as palpable crepitus beneath the skin and may require surgical review.
- PneumothoracesCollections of air in the pleural cavity causing varying degrees of lung collapse; managed by observation, needle decompression or chest-drain insertion depending on severity.
Credits:
Guests: Ms Rika Talukder (ST6), Mr Ali Ansaripour (ST4), Miss Nikki Asemota (ST3), Mr Gowthan Santhirakumaran (ST6)
Host - Miss Emezie Okorocha (ST3)
Editor - Hae Seung Chung
Song Bounce - Coma-Media.
Music by Yrii Semchyshyn from Pixabay
