The field of cardiothoracic surgery is unlike any other area of medicine I have worked in. Seeing patients go from a limited quality of life to doing their favorite hobbies again convinced me that I wanted a career in cardiothoracic surgery. This field is gratifying because patients see an immediate improvement in their condition after surgery. Patients tell me I am a great listener and that they feel informed, educated, and included in their care. If I do not know an answer to a patient's question, I will find it. If I can help even one patient understand their diagnosis and treatment plan, that is a success.