Program Overview
The Cleveland Clinic Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Resident Training and Fellowship Program
The Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery places keen emphasis on the education and training of our residents. Our goal is to provide the caliber of training that is required to graduate qualified, competent and knowledgeable cardiothoracic surgeons. These efforts and a reputation as a leading cardiac surgery center have promoted our training program, attracting high level candidates.
Two qualified candidates who have completed five years of approved training in general surgery are accepted into the department each year. Our program includes three years of training in all aspects of cardiac and thoracic surgery and is approved by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Individuals in training perform major general thoracic and cardiac operations beginning in the first year. Residents area assigned to a specific surgeon for three months and rotate through the department so that they are exposed to the full range of cardiac and thoracic operations. Under staff supervision, residents accumulate a large experience as principal surgeon. Responsibilities also include preoperative and postoperative care of cardiothoracic surgical patients.
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Resident Rotations
Graduate Level I
- 6 months General Thoracic Surgery
- 6 months adult Acquired Cardiac Surgery
Graduate Level II
- 6 months Congenital heart surgery
- 6 months Adult Acquired Cardiac Surgery
Graduate Level III
- Individualized, advanced experience in Acquired Cardiac and Congenital Disease and
General Thoracic Surgery
The third year of cardiothoracic training is the chief residency year, designed to allow residents to modify rotations in order to focus on an area of particular interest. Because residents are able to hone their skills in a particular subspecialty area, this style of curriculum is advantageous for career placement after graduation.
Surgery for acquired cardiac disease is divided into five teams, each with a Board Resident, Fellow, or Clinical Associate as a team leader responsible for directing the activities of the first and second-year residents and their service.
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Resident Call Schedule
The Chief Administrative Resident creates the call schedules, and the director of the residency program formats the quarterly rotation schedule and monthly conference schedule.
Graduate Levels I and III
- Every fourth or fifth night
Graduate Level III
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Didactic Conference Schedule
Under American Board of Thoracic Surgery guidelines, a mandatory didactic conference schedule covers a broad spectrum of topics in cardiothoracic surgery. Intramural and Extramural speakers are often invited to address resident conferences that are held twice each week. Quality assurance conferences to address mortality and morbidity are held bimonthly. the monthly journal club not only teaches but also encourages residents to critically evaluate the cardiothoracic surgical literature. Saturday morning conferences provide case management reviews. Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute Grand Rounds incorporates speakers from the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Thoracic and Cardiovascular Medicine.
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Research
Each resident selects a research project and is required to conduct a research study that is formally presented at the Annual Research Day in June. Laboratory investigation is available.
Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Residency Program Evaluation
To monitor the effectiveness of the residency program, residents are asked to complete anonymous evaluations on all staff surgeons. Staff is also asked to evaluate their respective rotating residents every three months and these reviews are discussed with the residents twice yearly. Resident performance on in-service examinations is important; any areas of deficit are addressed directly with the resident.
Fellowships
Thoracic and cardiovascular surgery fellowships are offered for those who have completed a training program in cardiac surgery.
- General Thoracic
- Transplant/Mechanical Assist
- Thoracic
- Academic Fellowship
- Cardiothoracic Anesthesia
Reviewed: 5/09
This information is provided by Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace
the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider.
Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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