Program overview

The Thoracic Surgery Fellowship at Washington University is a two- year ACME-accredited program with that expectation for certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

Program details

The residency program consists of three basic rotations: adult cardiac surgery, pediatric cardiothoracic surgery and general thoracic surgery.

The first year of the Thoracic Surgery Fellowship focuses on pediatric cardiothoracic surgery, then general thoracic surgery, including open, minimally invasive (VATS and robotic), and endoscopic interventions for malignant and benign lung, esophageal, mediastinal, tracheal, chest wall, pleural and diaphragmatic disorders.

The second year concentrates on adult cardiac surgery, including heart failure surgery, valvular surgery, aortic surgery, CABG, endovascular interventions and cardiac transplantation.

Trainees can expect to perform at least 350 operations as primary surgeon. They can also participate in an extensive ventricular assist device and artificial heart program if so inclined.

The abundance of clinical activity at all levels of complexity on this rotation assures the residents of a meaningful educational experience, and the variety of activity allows for active participation in all phases of patient care. Faculty members are renowned for their innovative approaches to the evaluation and surgical management of thoracic diseases, and they take particular pride in the wealth of clinical experience available to residents on the service. Upon completion of this rotation, the resident should be able to manage the entire spectrum of thoracic disease including the most innovative forms of therapy.