NYU Grossman School of Medicine Program

NYU Grossman School of Medicine offers a robust Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency that trains residents through three main pathways: a traditional 5+3 pathway, an integrated I-6 pathway, and a combined general surgery–thoracic surgery 4/3 pathway. Each of these programs equips residents with the skills needed to independently perform advanced surgical procedures including valve repair, minimally invasive surgeries, and complex thoracic surgeries.

This comprehensive training encompasses a variety of clinical experiences. Residents participate in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care within the framework of progressive, three-month clinical rotations tailored toward developing surgical competencies. Each pathway emphasizes extensive interaction with attending surgeons and involves detailed feedback and evaluations from a multidisciplinary team including anesthesia and critical care consultants, nurses, and other healthcare personnel.

Curriculum and Training Rotations

The curriculum is fundamentally structured around a blend of didactic learning, simulation training, and actual surgical experience. The structured didactic core adheres to the standards set by the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association and is designed to meet the certification requirements set forth by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Residents undergo consistent evaluations designed to gauge their progress and identify areas requiring enhancement, ensuring that they constructively build their competencies over time 1.

Training is organized across three key locations which include the Kimmel Pavilion at NYU Langone’s Tisch Hospital, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and the Manhattan campus of the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System. This geographical diversity enables residents to access a wide array of patient populations facing varied socioeconomic challenges, enriching their clinical exposure 1.

Research Opportunities and Academic Environment

Residents are highly encouraged to engage in research activities, specifically in clinical trials, enhancing their academic repertoire while still in residency. The program fosters a research-productive environment, supporting residents with opportunities to publish articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and facilitating travel to national and regional conferences for further academic enrichment 1.

Application and Eligibility Criteria

Application to the program is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The requirements may differ by pathway. Specifically, the integrated I-6 pathway mandates applicants to have completed the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams before beginning the residency. Likewise, for the combined general surgery–thoracic surgery pathway, applicants must hold good academic standing without current disciplinary actions 1.

Visa Support and Alerts for Applicants

The program provides visa sponsorship, welcoming international medical graduates, particularly those in possession of an F-1 or J-1 visa. This inclusion underscores the program's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within its resident cohort 1.

Competitiveness and Matching Criteria

The NYU Grossman School of Medicine's Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency is considered highly competitive, attracting numerous applicants, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and those with Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degrees. Prospective residents should prepare academically and clinically to enhance their application prospects 1.

Housing, Salary, and Benefits

Limited subsidized housing is available to residents. They receive a salary commensurate with each year of residency, along with comprehensive benefits that include medical insurance opportunities and support for professional development 1.