Residency Advisor

Program Overview

The Congenital Cardiac Surgery Program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center is an advanced program designed to treat patients of all ages with congenital heart disease. It distinguishes itself as the only robotic program in the United States dedicated to congenital heart disease, utilizing state-of-the-art technology combined with exceptional surgical expertise. The focus lies on providing the least invasive surgical options, which yield numerous patient benefits compared to traditional open surgery, including faster recovery times, lower complication risks, reduced hospital stays, decreased need for transfusions, and smaller surgical scars.

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Who We Treat

This program caters to both children and adults with a variety of congenital heart conditions, which include:

  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Mitral Valve Disease
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
  • Tricuspid Valve Disease
  • Aortic Arch Anomalies
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Curriculum and Rotations

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates clinical training with hands-on procedural work, allowing residents to gain extensive exposure to complex patient cases and advanced surgical techniques in the realm of pediatric cardiothoracic surgery.

Clinical Rotations

Residents spend extensive time on various rotations, including but not limited to:

  • Pediatric Cardiac Surgery
  • Adult Robotic Surgery
  • Comprehensive Care Teams that involve specialized anesthesia and perfusion teams across different facilities
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Research and Innovation

As a prominent academic institution, the program emphasizes innovative research in congenital heart disease management. Key initiatives include:

  • The use of 3D models for surgical planning
  • Transcatheter valve replacement development
  • Conducting extensive clinical trials to enhance outcomes in pediatric cardiomyopathy and heart transplantation
  • Establishing and operating the only cardiac intensive care unit exclusively for newborns with congenital conditions
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Unique Aspects of the Program

This program is characterized by several unique aspects:

  • Leadership in Hybrid Heart Surgery: The center offers hybrid cardiac surgery, combining surgical techniques with minimally invasive procedures to augment patient recovery.
  • Pediatric Heart Valve Center: This is one of the largest centers focusing on congenital heart valve malformations, providing innovative treatment solutions.
  • Fetal Cardiac Program: The center provides specialized care coordination for expectant mothers and their unborn children diagnosed with congenital heart disease.
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Training Sites

Training occurs at several state-of-the-art facilities that include:

  • Milstein Adult Hospital
  • NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital
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Visa and Sponsorship

The program offers sponsorship for international medical graduates through J-1 visas, facilitating opportunities for residents from various backgrounds to train in the U.S.

Competitiveness and Applications

The program is highly competitive, seeking motivated candidates with a strong background in clinical training. Special application requirements may include:

  • A specified year of graduation from medical school
  • Regulations surrounding the maximum number of failed USMLE STEP examinations

Preference is given to candidates with diverse backgrounds, including MD and DO graduates.

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Location
Culture
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Research
Schedule / Training

Director

Emile Bacha, MDChief-Division of Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Surgery Appointed Since December 2022 -

Program

Program Size

1 (2 years)
Accreditation Status
Initial Accreditation since December 2022

Composition

-

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

80hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

24hrs

First Year Salary:

$12,300

First Year Paid Vacation:

-

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

-

Training

Fellowship Rate:

-

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

1X

Residents career path:

-

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

-

Visa Sponsorship:

-

YOG Cutoff:

-

Location

New York, NY

Population
8,804,190
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
38

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in New York, NY

  • Crime Rate and Safety: New York City has improved its safety over the years, but like any big city, it does have some crime. However, most areas where medical residents live and work are considered safe.
  • Fun Activities: New York City is a hub of culture, entertainment, and dining. From Broadway shows to world-class museums and iconic landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty, there's always something to do.
  • Climate: New York City experiences all four seasons. Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures.
  • Races and Population: New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with a large population of various races and ethnicities.
  • Education: New York City is home to prestigious universities and medical centers, offering ample opportunities for learning and networking.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in New York City is high, particularly for housing. Medical residents may need to budget carefully to afford living in the city.
  • Nearby Cities: Other major cities like Philadelphia and Boston are within a few hours' drive of New York City. Philadelphia is about 1.5 to 2 hours away by car, while Boston is around 3.5 to 4 hours away.
  • Pros: Diverse culture, countless entertainment options, easy access to top medical facilities.
  • Cons: High cost of living, crowded and fast-paced environment.

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Nearby Programs

Congenital cardiac surgery

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