Program Overview

---

Introduction to the Thoracic Surgery Integrated Residency Program

The Thoracic Surgery Integrated Residency Program is a six-year program that leverages the strengths of the long-established training programs in cardiothoracic surgery and general surgery. This program consists of six years of training with an optional additional year in research focused on cardiac thoracic or general thoracic surgery.

Program Overview

The program includes three initial years that provide rotations in cardiac, vascular, general thoracic, surgical oncology, trauma surgery, and cardiology. After this foundational experience, residents may participate in research for a maximum of two years. The final three years provide senior experience in cardiothoracic surgery in adult and congenital cardiac surgery and general thoracic surgery.

Clinical Volume

The program boasts a high clinical volume, with over 1,700 adult cardiac surgery cases performed annually at hospital affiliates, including more than 150 VADs and heart/lung transplants and more than 200 complex aortic reconstructions. Structural heart exposure includes 350 TAVRs per year and more than 50 Mitraclip procedures per year. Robotic cardiothoracic surgery continues to grow rapidly, with more than 200 robotic cases performed annually.

Clinical Volume Details

• Over 1,700 adult cardiac surgery cases performed annually
• More than 150 VADs and heart/lung transplants
• More than 200 complex aortic reconstructions
• 350 TAVRs per year
• More than 50 Mitraclip procedures per year
• More than 200 robotic cases performed annually

Admissions

Applications for the Thoracic Surgery Integrated Residency Program are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Services system. The following items are required for application:

• Completed ERAS application
• Personal statement and Curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation from faculty members
• USMLE Board Scores
• Medical school diploma and transcript in original language and English
• Dean's verification of pending or past graduation
• ECFMG certificate if applicable
• Passport-sized photo

International Graduates

International graduates must contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates for information regarding the process of paperwork for students and graduates of foreign medical schools. Baylor College of Medicine requires international medical graduates to meet the requirements for an Institutional Permit and the documents necessary for a J-1 Visa.

Committee Application Review Process

The Thoracic Surgery Integrated Residency Committee reviews each residency application when completed. Applicants who are considered competitive for appointment in the residency program will be invited for a personal interview.

Interview Sessions

One formal interview session is conducted each year. The interview process includes an introduction and slide presentation by the faculty leadership, and each applicant will be interviewed by multiple faculty members. Applicants also have an opportunity to visit with current residents and participate in virtual tours of participating sites.

Thoracic Surgery Integrated Open House

A virtual open house is scheduled prior to hosting interviews, allowing potential candidates to learn more about the program and culture through a presentation given by the current residents of the program.