University of Colorado Program

The Thoracic Surgery Residency Program at the University of Colorado is a three-year fellowship program established in 1977. This comprehensive program aims to provide a well-rounded thoracic surgical education covering all aspects of the specialty. Throughout the three-year curriculum, fellows rotate through various institutions including the University of Colorado Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Denver. These rotations offer a diverse experience in adult and congenital heart disease as well as general thoracic surgery.

The program is designed to allow fellows to specialize in their areas of interest, whether in general thoracic surgery, congenital heart surgery, or other sub-specializations within the field. The educational structure provides a balance between gaining broad cardiothoracic surgery skills and focusing on specific career objectives. Fellows are given graded responsibilities both in and outside the operating room to enhance their training experience.

In the first year, fellows gain exposure to adult cardiac and general thoracic services, where they learn to manage a variety of cases independently under faculty supervision. The second year focuses on adult cardiac surgery at the University of Colorado Hospital and the VA Medical Center, with additional exposure to pediatric cardiac surgery at Children's Hospital Colorado. The third year allows fellows to concentrate on their chosen specialty, such as esophageal surgery or minimally invasive thoracic surgery, and includes responsibilities as the primary surgeon for heart and lung transplants.

Applications to the program are made through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and require successful completion of an ACGME-accredited General Surgery Residency. While there is no minimum USMLE Step I score specified, higher scores above 220 are advantageous. The program also requires three letters of recommendation and accepts a maximum of four. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to train at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

The University of Colorado Thoracic Surgery Residency Program is committed to preparing residents not only to pass the ABTS certification examination but to excel as future leaders in the field. The program offers various educational activities such as cardiac catheterization conferences, multidisciplinary general thoracic surgical oncology conferences, surgical grand rounds, and research opportunities to enhance the learning experience.

Overall, the University of Colorado Thoracic Surgery Residency Program provides a well-rounded training experience that equips fellows with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as cardiothoracic surgeons in both academic and private practice settings.