Residents in the Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program at Duke University Hospital will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare them for a career as proficient cardiothoracic surgeons. The program structure encompasses significant experiences across general and vascular surgery, critical care, cardiac anesthesia and catheterization, as well as advanced cardiac and thoracic surgery. This multifaceted training occurs at three primary clinical sites: Duke University Hospital, the Durham VA Medical Center, and Duke Regional Hospital.
1The first three years of residency (PGY 1-3) provide a balanced approach to surgical education, combining clinical training in general, vascular, and cardiothoracic surgery. Following this foundational training, residents are encouraged to dedicate time for scholarly research, typically occurring after the PGY-3 year. In PGY 4-6, the focus shifts to specialized thoracic surgery training, including but not limited to adult cardiac surgery, congenital heart surgery, general thoracic surgery, and aortic procedures.
1Educational methodologies within the program integrate weekly didactic conferences, attending rounds, and participation in Grand Rounds. Critical clinical conferences facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration and feature topics such as thoracic oncology, transplantation, and congenital heart conditions, enriching the resident's educational experience with diverse perspectives.
1Research and Academic Development
The program places strong emphasis on academic proficiency through clinical research opportunities. Residents can engage with the Duke Clinical Research Institute, renowned for holding one of the largest cardiovascular data repositories globally.4 Academic development is supported through mentorship, as each resident selects an advisor who guides their professional and clinical growth throughout residency.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum is systematically structured to promote not only the medical expertise of residents but also to develop vital skills such as patient communication, professionalism, and systems-based practice. The program includes a comprehensive three-year didactic schedule encompassing medical knowledge, patient care, and practice-based learning.4 Each resident also receives mentorship and the opportunity to attend national conferences, further bolstering their academic credence.
Clinical Rotations
Residents will experience varied clinical rotations throughout their training. In the first year, rotations will include General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Adult Cardiac Surgery, and General Thoracic Surgery. As residents progress, the second and third years introduce additional specialized rotations in areas like Surgical Oncology and various cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures. The latter years focus deeply on adult cardiac surgery, congenital cardiac surgery, and general thoracic surgery.6
Application Process
To apply for the Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program, candidates must submit applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Eligibility for international medical graduates requires a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate, and applicants must have successfully completed the USMLE steps or COMLEX steps within the allowed timeframe (a maximum of three attempts per step for eligibility) for a North Carolina medical license.7 The selection process emphasizes strong academic performance, and applicants must submit necessary documentation, including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and medical school transcripts.
Visa Support
The Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program provides visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, permitting them to pursue their residency training in the United States. Typically, J-1 and H-1B visas are available for foreign medical graduates accepted into the program.
Competitiveness
This residency program is highly competitive due to its prestigious reputation and robust training opportunities. While it maintains high standards for admission, the program is accessible to a diverse group of applicants, including those with backgrounds as DOs and international medical graduates.
Unique Aspects of the Program
Duke University’s Intagrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program also has unique offerings, including a high board pass rate and exposure to a high volume of surgical cases, which contribute to residents' comprehensive operative experience. In addition, Duke maintains the highest volume of thoracic organ transplants in the U.S., creating a unique training environment for residents in transplantation procedures.8
Locations and Training Sites
Students will train across various settings that include major academic hospitals and community health environments, allowing residents to experience a full spectrum of medical practice. The rotations at the Durham VA Medical Center provide essential exposure to various surgical practices alongside Duke's academic faculty.
9Resident Life and Support
Life as a resident at Duke is supported by an environment that fosters both professional and personal growth. Resources like the Personal Assistance Service (PAS) are available to residents, providing counseling and mental health support, in addition to systematic safeguards for work-hour compliance to minimize fatigue and ensure work-life balance.10
Website
Director
Betty C Tong, MD, MHScAssociate Professor of Surgery, Program Director Appointed Since August 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
67hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
15hrsFirst Year Salary:
$63,404First Year Paid Vacation:
20 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
Unlimited daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
2Match History
1529461C0
2024
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1 of 1Location
Durham, NC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Durham, NC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Durham has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's important to research specific neighborhoods. Overall, it offers varying levels of safety.
- Fun Activities: Durham is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic sites, and outdoor recreational options. You can enjoy visiting museums, attending cultural events, or exploring nearby parks.
- Climate: Durham experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, while winters can be cold. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather.
- Races and Population: Durham is diverse, with a mixture of different races and ethnicities. It has a population of around 280,000 people.
- Education: Durham is home to Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, offering educational opportunities and enriching the community.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Durham is slightly higher than the national average. Housing costs and property taxes can be significant factors to consider.
- Nearby Cities: Raleigh and Chapel Hill are nearby cities, both approximately 30-40 minutes away by car. Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and offers a bustling urban environment, while Chapel Hill is known for its university town atmosphere.
- Pros: Rich cultural scene, educational opportunities, diverse population.
- Cons: Some areas with higher crime rates, slightly higher cost of living compared to national average.