Residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery

The residency program in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston utilizes the University Hospitals of the Medical Branch, with all patients cared for by a single cardiothoracic surgical service which delivers the preoperative, operative and all postoperative care for adult cardiac and general thoracic patients. The two-year Cardiothoracic Surgery Program meets the requirements of accreditation by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.

During the first year of training the resident learns the principles of managing patients with thoracic and cardiac disease through active participation in their care, both in and out of the operating room. A broad exposure and excellent operative experience is provided in acquired heart disease and pulmonary and esophageal surgery. A four-month rotation at Texas Childrens Hospital at the end of the first year provides a concentrated experience in surgery for congenital heart disease. During the second year of training, the resident will refine operative techniques, especially in cardiac surgery and assume more independent responsibility for general thoracic procedures and perioperative care. Graduating residents have established successful careers in the private practice and academic settings.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Research Program
Funded studies include: pathophysiology of lung injury as a result of smoke inhalation (PPG), extracorporeal gas exchange for treatment of ARDS, arteriovenous CO2 removal to ameliorate lung injury, and development of an artificial lung. We also conduct a prospective randomized outcomes study to evaluate the effects of three gentle ventilation techniques (AVCO2R, HFPV or LTV) in a clinically relevant LD100 smoke/burn sheep ARDS model to assess ventilator-free days, survival and pathophysiology. Other studies include perfusion-induced systemic hyperthermia for metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer as well as numerous collaborations with industry research and development departments.

Application Procedure

Postgraduate Year Six of Surgery

Applicants should apply through the ERAS system at: http://www.aamc.org/

For more information about our program, direct inquiries to:

Vincent R. Conti, M.D. (vconti@utmb.edu)
Director, Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Training Program
The University of Texas Medical Branch
301 University Boulevard
Galveston, Texas 77555-0528

or contact the coordinators:

Deborah G. Turney (dgturney@utmb.edu)
PJ Scheer (pscheer@utmb.edu)