50% cardiothoracic seats go vacant as demand falls

TNN | Nov 7, 2017, 00:26 IST

Chennai: More than a decade ago, cardiac surgery was one of the most pivotal professions, saving the lives of many patients who were at death's door. But, while the number of patients with heart diseases is on the rise, the once sought-after field isn't as favoured anymore.

More than half the number of cardiothoracic surgery seats in the state, even in prestigious institutions like the Madras Medical College, have not been filled. "There is a huge demand for cardiology, but surgery seats are vacant," said state selection committee secretary Dr G Selvarajan.

"Rapid developments in the field of cardiology are among the most important reasons," said Dr K Kannan, head of cardiology, Stanley Medical College. "Cardiologists are now able to do things which they could not ten years ago. Even a 90-year-old with a block in the heart can undergo a procedure to clear it. These patients may not be taken for an open heart surgery as it comes with a high risk," he said.

As these procedures are minimally invasive, done in cath labs rather than huge operation theatres, most patients return to work within two weeks. Senior cardiac surgeons say that developments in cardiac surgery have been relatively slow, but add that things may change when there are better surgical options.

Like cardiac surgery, there are vacancies in paediatric surgery and plastic surgery as well. Doctors say, just like advances in cardiology, advances in dermatology have had an effect on plastic surgery. "The number of cosmetic options in dermatology is vast now. This will last until there are newer developments in plastic surgery," said director of medical education Dr A Edwin Joe.

The state has now sought additional time to fill up seats, and is even contemplating offering special concessions for these students. For instance, the directorate of medical education, which makes it mandatory for all students to continue to work for the government for a specific period or pay Rs2 crore, may relax rules for cardiac surgery alone this year, say senior health department officials.