Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women's Hospital Program

The Brigham and Women's Hospital offers an integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program that is both comprehensive and competitive, designed to prepare residents for successful careers in cardiothoracic surgery. The program is structured into two major pathways: a traditional two-year residency program and a six-year integrated residency program. Both pathways are ACGME-accredited and train physicians to become board-certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS).

The educational mission of the program aims at producing highly skilled surgeons who can perform a wide variety of thoracic and cardiovascular surgical procedures while fostering academic leadership within the field. The curriculum is tailored to impart a substantial amount of diverse adult cardiac, congenital cardiac, and general thoracic operative experiences under direct supervision, thereby ensuring residents exceed the minimal case requirements for certification.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to provide a high level of didactic and clinical training. For the traditional two-year residency, residents undergo rotations focusing on both cardiac surgery and thoracic surgery. The first year consists of two six-month rotations in each discipline, while the second year includes additional specialized training at Boston Children's Hospital focusing on congenital cardiac services or thoracic surgery.

In the six-year integrated program, residents enter directly from medical school and spend the initial two years rotating through the core components of general surgery before transitioning into cardiothoracic surgical training. Both training streams allow residents to gain hands-on experience in distinct yet complementary surgical services, significantly enriching their competency and confidence.

Rotations

Residents are exposed to an extensive range of complex surgical cases within both the cardiac and thoracic domains. Core experiences include aortic surgery, complex valve surgeries, and advanced robotic techniques, among others. The program emphasizes both open and minimally invasive approaches to surgical care, providing residents with the breadth of skills required in contemporary cardiothoracic surgery.

Training Sites

The primary training takes place at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which features dedicated operating rooms, intensive care, and immediate care units specifically designed for cardiac and thoracic surgery. The program also incorporates clinical opportunities at Boston Children's Hospital for pediatric cardiac surgery training, which is an integral part of the residents' educational experience.

Research Opportunities

A robust research culture is encouraged within the residency program, supported by multiple NIH training grants and various research centers. Residents have access to opportunities for basic science and outcomes-related research, helping them contribute to the advancement of cardiothoracic surgery. The Department of Surgery holds a structured approach to research, which includes mentorship by faculty members invested in research and scholarship.

Application Process

Applications for the Thoracic Surgery Integrated Residency Program are filled through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). To be eligible, applicants must have completed a medical degree from an accredited medical school. The program has specific documentation requirements that include a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a medical school transcript. Notably, each application must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and must conform to all NRMP guidelines.

For the traditional two-year program, applicants must hold a completed ACGME or AOA-accredited residency. The program requires multiple letters of recommendation, including at least three from attending physicians in surgery. Applications must be completed by February 1 each recruitment cycle.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers support for international medical graduates by providing visa sponsorship to qualified applicants. Common visa types sponsored include the J-1 Visa, which allows international graduates to participate in residency programs in the United States, and the H-1B Visa for employment in specialty occupations.

Competitiveness

The residency program is highly competitive, attracting a large pool of qualified applicants. It welcomes applications from international medical graduates (IMGs) and is recognized as DO-friendly, providing opportunities for applicants from diverse educational backgrounds. Due to the program's esteemed reputation and comprehensive training experience, the selection process is rigorous, and applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills, and a dedication to the field of thoracic surgery.