Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women's Hospital/Children's Hospital Program

The Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Boston Children’s Hospital cardiothoracic surgery residency program offers two distinct paths: a two-year traditional residency and a six-year integrated residency. Each path is rigorously designed to train surgeons in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at an expert level, eligible for certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS). The program is highly regarded and competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants aiming for excellence in cardiothoracic surgery.

Program Structure

The two-year program includes two tracks: a cardiac track and a thoracic track. Each year, four positions are available, divided equally between the two tracks. Residents in the cardiac track undertake rotations between cardiac and thoracic surgeries in their first year and spend eight months predominantly on cardiac surgeries in their second year. In contrast, the thoracic track includes a chief resident year focused solely on thoracic surgery, along with important integrated experiences at Boston Children’s Hospital.

The six-year integrated residency offers two positions yearly, allowing residents to enter directly from medical school. The first two years are spent rotating through general surgery, after which residents transition into cardiothoracic surgical training for the remaining four years. Residents will likewise be exposed to clinical and laboratory research facilities dedicated to clinical advancement in both tracks, particularly geared towards those aspiring for academic and leadership roles in the field.

Clinical Experience and Training Sites

Clinical training is centered at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a 750-bed facility, where residents participate in extensive preoperative, operative, and postoperative care. The partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital allows for specialized pediatric cardiac surgery training. The hospitals feature separate intensive and immediate care units for each surgical specialty, enhancing learning and focus within each surgical discipline. Rich academic instruction is provided by full-time faculty who are not only surgeons but also educators at Harvard Medical School, ensuring robust mentorship throughout residency.

Research Opportunities

The program is firmly committed to research, recognizing its vital role in the advancement of surgical practices. Residents benefit from structured research opportunities that are integrated into the training schedule. The department’s commitment to scholarly activity is further underscored by several NIH-funded initiatives. Research topics and objectives are shaped collaboratively, with support from the Brigham Surgical Resident Research Council, which oversees resident research projects and funding to foster an enriching academic environment.

Application Process

Applications for the cardiothoracic surgery residency must go through the Thoracic Surgery Match program and comply with NRMP registration. Specific requirements vary between the two-year and six-year programs. For the two-year fellowship, applicants are expected to provide ABS in-training exam scores, medical school transcripts, dean's letters, and three letters of recommendation. The application deadline is February 1. For the six-year integrated program, candidates must submit a curriculum vitae, medical school transcript, personal statement, MSPE, and USMLE transcripts, with an application deadline set for October 1.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

Being a top-tier program, it is known for its competitiveness, inviting a wide range of applications, including those from DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs). However, applicants must have completed either an ACGME or AOA-accredited residency program to apply to the traditional program. Those who will graduate from medical school must meet specific academic excellence criteria and demonstrate personal character and leadership ability.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, which may include the sponsorship of H-1B and J-1 visa types, catering to a global applicant pool. This aspect enhances the program’s approachability for qualified candidates worldwide, fostering an inclusive environment.

Overall, the Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Boston Children’s Hospital thoracic surgery residency program embodies a blend of rigorous clinical training, a strong emphasis on research, and comprehensive mentorship, fostering the next generation of leaders in the field of cardiothoracic surgery.