I am interested in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery. What is the progression from medical school to this job?

Hi, I've done a summary below, but if you have any questions let me know.

During medical school apply for the Army bursary.
On finishing medical school, if you were successful with your bursary application, do your 2 foundation years at a JHG (Frimley park, Portsmouth, Derriford etc..). If you were not successful, apply through the national foundation programme and complete it in any NHS hospital. Reapply to the Army during your foundation years.
On finishing foundation, attend the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and complete the short commissioning course.
Work as a General Duties Medical Officer for about 2.5 years. During this time apply for specialty training.
After GDMO, complete your specialty training.

If you want to do cardiothoracic surgery then during your GDMO time speak to your boss early. Training jobs are limited, and more specialist jobs are not always available, it's useful for you to know this early.

I would strongly recommend making contact with military cardiothoracic surgeons during your GDMO time so you can get involved with research and audits etc.. it's a small community and it helps to introduce yourself to people as well.

This BMJ article is quite good for the other aspects of it. https://www.bmj.com/careers/article/the-complete-guide-to-becoming-a-cardiothoracic-surgeon/