Overview
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis maintains one of the most active and multifaceted fellowship programs. The division is comprised of national leaders in academic cardiothoracic surgery who immerse trainees in a dynamic clinical, teaching, and research enterprise. The advanced educational programs ensure a vast clinical educational experience essential to laying the foundation of a lifetime of self-education and improvement in a resident’s chosen field.
Thoracic surgery fellowship
The Thoracic Surgery Fellowship is an ACGME-accredited program which offers two tracks – general thoracic and cardiac. The program consists of three core rotations: adult cardiac surgery, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, and general thoracic surgery. Although there are two identifiable tracks in the program, all residents rotate through all sub-specialties.
Thoracic surgery fellowship specialization track
In 2006, combined general and thoracic surgical training “fast-track” positions were approved at Washington University in St. Louis by the ACGME Residency Review Committees for general and thoracic surgery. This pilot program is one of only a handful of such programs in the country. The curriculum consists of four years of general surgery and three years of thoracic surgery.
Lung transplant fellowship
The Lung Transplant Fellowship develops proficiency in transplantation and experience in comprehensive management of lung transplantation. The fellowship includes care for patients with advanced lung disease, evaluation of potential transplant candidates, and the entire spectrum of care for lung transplant recipients.
Mechanical circulatory support & cardiac transplantation fellowship
The Mechanical Circulatory Support and Cardiac Transplantation Fellowship is an advanced one-year fellowship. The program develops proficiency in surgical implantation and medical management of mechanical circulatory devices and heart transplants.
Thoracic Transplantation Surgery Fellowship
The Thoracic Transplant Fellowship is a one year non-ACGME program focused on thoracic transplantation with a secondary focus in adult cardiac surgery. In addition to heart and lung transplants, the fellow will be involved in procurement operations and education activities through the division.
Congenital Cardiac Fellowship
The Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship is one of the only ACGME-accredited programs of its kind in the country. The two-year fellowship trains surgeons in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with congenital heart defects. The fellowship includes pediatric heart and lung transplantation, surgical management of children with pulmonary hypertension and use of ventricular assist devices in the management of pediatric patients with heart failure.