Residency Program Overview

The training program in cardiothoracic surgery at Duke University Medical Center is designed to develop academic cardiothoracic surgeons.

At the completion of the program, residents will demonstrate proficiency in all clinical aspects of cardiothoracic surgery and will have extensive experience and training in clinical research.

A three-year program with three residents at each training level, the residency program provides for progressive responsibility and a balanced exposure to:

Adult cardiac surgery
Congenital cardiac surgery
General thoracic surgery

The philosophy of the training program is predicated on the mentorship system, in which each resident rotates on a service with two or three faculty members for four months, providing consistent, sustained relationships.

Curriculum

In addition to the clinical experience, a comprehensive didactic teaching schedule is emphasized, based on a three-year defined curriculum including topics in medical knowledge, patient care, practice-based learning, systems-based practice, communication, and professionalism.

The faculty and residents participate in a comprehensive conference schedule, designed to optimize clinical experience, didactic teaching, and interactive learning.