Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency at Yale

Overview

The cardiothoracic surgery residency program at Yale is designed to train future leaders in the field that are proficient in a broad spectrum of cardiac surgical techniques. The length of our cardiothoracic training is two years. In addition to providing robust exposure to conventional cardiac surgery, including coronary revascularization and valve repair and replacement, our program emphasizes cutting-edge advances.  Exposure to minimally-invasive approaches, including surgical robotics, percutaneous interventions, arrhythmia surgery, and mechanical circulatory support are offered in a resident-friendly and collegial environment.  Close collaborative relationships with the Sections of General Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Cardiology present many opportunities for the acquisition of endovascular (including TEVAR), robotic, and thoracoscopic skills. The internationally-recognized Yale Center for Thoracic Aortic Disease provides robust training in thoracic aortic reconstruction. Our established, rapidly growing minimally-invasive and surgical heart failure programs are designed to provide our trainees with experience in these expanding subspecialties.

Rotations

One first year cardiothoracic resident spends six months the first year on the Thoracic Surgical Service, participating in the operations performed on the service and carrying out operative procedures commensurate with training. The other cardiothoracic first year resident rotates for six months at the West Haven Veterans Administration Hospital.  Seven Physician’s Assistants and five Nurse Practitioners add greatly to the quality of care on the wards, CTICU, and in the operating room.

The second year experience is organized into one six-month rotation at the Yale-New Haven Hospital on adult cardiac surgery; one four-month rotation on pediatric cardiac surgery; and a two-month rotation during that block for either thoracic and/or adult cardiac surgery. This two-month rotation will allow the Chief Resident to get additional exposure to the pathway of their choice. Senior residents are appointed as Instructors on the faculty and play a vital role with the faculty in the instruction of Yale medical students and surgical residents on the patient care divisions of the teaching hospitals. They also enjoy certain faculty privileges accompanying this rank. A broad and balanced experience in cardiac and general thoracic surgery is assured.

Research

Members of the Section conduct an active research program involving basic science and clinical problems in cardiothoracic surgery. The research activities cover a broad array of cardiac and thoracic physiology and pathology. Well-equipped laboratories are available. These activities provide opportunities for animal operations and work in biochemistry and electronics. The laboratories are staffed by several full-time basic scientists and surgical research fellows, and by other appropriate technical personnel. Although the two year program provides little time for active research other than on clinical problems, research fellowships are also available and development of an academic career in cardiothoracic surgery is supported and encouraged.

Conferences

Conferences include a weekly tumor board conference, a weekly lecture/seminar in cardiac and thoracic surgery and related basic science aspects, a cardiac and thoracic surgery mortality and morbidity review conference, a combined pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery conference reviewing all children studied during the previous week, a weekly cardiac transplant conference, and the Department of Surgery Grand Rounds.

Applications

To qualify for admission to the program the applicant must have completed a full residency in General Surgery accredited by either the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. All applications are to be submitted through ERAS, and we participate in the Thoracic Surgery National Resident Matching Program. It is expected also that the applicant will have had some experience on a cardiothoracic service during that period. Research experience and long-term commitment to investigative work are sought in residency applicants.  Email:  suzanne.giannotti@yale.edu