Let's Talk Surgery Podcast, Surgical Crossroads: Choosing your specialty - the Cardiothoracic episode
08/30/21 • 54 min
In this Surgical Crossroads episode of the Let’s Talk Surgery podcast, hosts speak with cardiothoracic surgeons Sridhar Rathinam, Gill Hardman, and Edward Caruana about their career journeys and insights into this demanding specialty. Sridhar, a consultant thoracic surgeon and educational leader, shares his lifelong passion for surgery and teaching. Gill, a registrar pursuing a PhD in transplantation, discusses her interest in surgical psychology and training. Edward, nearing the end of his training, entered the field by chance and now champions maximizing learning opportunities.
The conversation highlights the specialty’s challenges—such as work-life balance, perceptions, and diversity—while affirming the deep commitment and fulfilment it brings. Their collective advice: start early, seek exposure, and actively connect with the cardiothoracic community.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.
Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?
- Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
- Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
- Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
- Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
- Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates
In this Surgical Crossroads episode of the Let’s Talk Surgery podcast, hosts speak with cardiothoracic surgeons Sridhar Rathinam, Gill Hardman, and Edward Caruana about their career journeys and insights into this demanding specialty. Sridhar, a consultant thoracic surgeon and educational leader, shares his lifelong passion for surgery and teaching. Gill, a registrar pursuing a PhD in transplantation, discusses her interest in surgical psychology and training. Edward, nearing the end of his training, entered the field by chance and now champions maximizing learning opportunities.
The conversation highlights the specialty’s challenges—such as work-life balance, perceptions, and diversity—while affirming the deep commitment and fulfilment it brings. Their collective advice: start early, seek exposure, and actively connect with the cardiothoracic community.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.
Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?
- Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
- Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
- Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
- Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
- Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates
Previous Episode
Let's Talk Surgery Podcast, Surgical Crossroads: Choosing your specialty - the Vascular episode
In this episode of Surgical Crossroads, hosts Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja explore vascular surgery with guests Andy Garnham, Lauren Shelmerdine, and Tricia Tay. Andy, a consultant and key figure in vascular training development, reflects on the specialty’s evolution and the value of strong patient relationships due to the chronic nature of vascular conditions. Lauren, a registrar in research, emphasizes early exposure and peer support in shaping her path. Tricia, a soon-to-be academic foundation trainee, credits her mentors and experiences at RCSEd events for inspiring her interest.
The episode offers practical tips for aspiring vascular surgeons and underscores the importance of curiosity, composure, and commitment in this intricate and evolving field.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.
Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?
- Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
- Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
- Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
- Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
- Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates
Next Episode
Let's Talk Surgery Podcast, Surgical Crossroads: Choosing your specialty - the General Surgery episode
In this episode of Surgical Crossroads, hosts Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja explore general surgery with guests Jane Macaskill, Kellie Bateman, Syed Zaidi, and fellow host Greg Ekatah. Jane, a breast surgeon in Tayside, shares how early inspiration and a passion for patient care led her to her specialty, including global health work in Palestine. Kellie, a registrar in Wales, highlights the supportive environment in general surgery and her involvement in leadership and training improvement. Foundation trainee Syed reflects on the rewarding transition from student to practitioner and encourages hands-on exploration of specialties. Greg offers insight into the training pathway and his enthusiasm for colorectal surgery and robotics.
The episode emphasizes proactivity, persistence, and embracing the diversity and opportunities within general surgery.
Hosted by Greg Ekatah, Sesi Hotonu and Sadie Khwaja produced and directed by Heather Pownall of Heather's Media Hub Ltd.
Enjoyed this episode of Let’s Talk Surgery from The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?
- Explore more content and upcoming episodes: rcsed.ac.uk/podcast
- Feedback or topic suggestions? Email us at: [email protected]
- Interested in RCSEd courses, exams, or training opportunities? Visit: rcsed.ac.uk
- Listen & subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Buzzsprout
- Follow RCSEd on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for news and updates
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/lets-talk-surgery-the-rcsed-podcast-221710/lets-talk-surgery-podcast-surgical-crossroads-choosing-your-specialty-25344258"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to let's talk surgery podcast, surgical crossroads: choosing your specialty - the cardiothoracic episode on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy