Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Program

The Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai offers a comprehensive six-year training track designed to develop the next generation of cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons. This innovative program provides an extensive clinical experience and utilizes the full extent of the available curricula to equip residents with the skills necessary for modern surgical practice.

Established in recognition of the evolving landscape of surgical education, the program emphasizes early surgical exposure, enabling residents to gain a foundation in managing complex cardiovascular and thoracic patients from the outset of their training. The program is structured to ensure that residents not only meet but exceed the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) case requirements, both in terms of complexity and number of cases performed. The program's commitment to education is highlighted by its tailored block schedule, which adapts to the unique training needs of each resident.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program encompasses training across various services vital to the field of thoracic surgery, including but not limited to Mitral, Aortic, Heart Failure, Adult Cardiac, Congenital, Endovascular, and Thoracic/Lung Transplant services. Each of these specialties is explored in depth, allowing residents to immerse themselves thoroughly in each area of practice. This hands-on experience is initiated from the first year and continues throughout residency, ensuring that as residents’ skills advance, they are entrusted with progressively challenging responsibilities.1

Regular educational conferences are an integral part of the residency experience. These include weekly resident teaching sessions, Grand Rounds featuring national experts, and Mortality and Morbidity (M&M) reviews. Through these formats, residents engage in critical discussions about relevant clinical cases and their outcomes, remaining informed about the latest developments in surgical techniques and patient care strategies.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging residents to engage in scholarly activities. There is an opportunity for up to 24 months of dedicated research time between the PGY-4 and PGY-5 years, allowing residents to pursue significant clinical studies or projects. For those preferring to incorporate research into their residency, various clinical research opportunities are available throughout the program, fostering an environment of inquiry and advancement in surgical practices.2

Training Sites

Training occurs primarily at The Mount Sinai Hospital, situated in Manhattan, which is uniquely equipped to provide a diverse array of cases due to its positioning as a major surgical center. The hospital serves a multifaceted patient population, facilitating comprehensive hands-on training in both elective and emergent procedures across all areas typical to cardiothoracic surgery.3

Application and Selection Process

The program is highly competitive, accepting two matched positions each year through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). Applicants are required to submit a complete application via the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS), including pertinent documents such as a curriculum vitae, personal statement, medical school transcript, and letters of recommendation. USMLE scores for Steps 1 and 2 must be provided if available. Moreover, applications are reviewed only if they are complete by the stated deadline, reflecting the program's commitment to selecting the most qualified candidates.4

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for applicants in need of work authorization, typically through J-1 or H-1B classifications. This support enables both international medical graduates and non-citizen applicants to pursue their residency training within one of the premier surgical programs in the country.

Diversity of Residents

Residents of the Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program hail from various backgrounds and medical schools worldwide, drawn by the program's reputation for exceptional training and the unique opportunities it offers. Residents benefit from the program's hands-on approach to teaching, access to expert faculty, and a collaborative learning environment, which enhances their surgical education and professional development.5