University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The University of Louisville’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency program provides an intensive and comprehensive training experience in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. Approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), this two-year program welcomes one resident each year, offering a blend of clinical and research opportunities necessary for the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons.

Program Structure and Curriculum

Residents are trained in both adult and pediatric cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of surgical procedures. The program emphasizes advanced treatments, including minimally invasive techniques and mechanical circulatory support systems. The training model is geared towards delivering an in-depth understanding of surgical practices relevant to both adult and pediatric populations, focusing on heart failure interventions, cardiac transplantation, lung transplantation, and structural heart procedures such as TAVR (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement) and MitraClip. 1

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

The residency experience takes place at two renowned facilities located on the UofL Health Science Campus: Jewish Hospital and Norton Children's Hospital. These sites are crucial as they provide a diverse experience in dealing with complex cases in both adult and pediatric cardiac surgeries. Annually, the surgical team averages over 1600 procedures, underscoring the volume and variety of conditions managed through the program. The faculty comprises 10 board-certified surgeons known for their expertise in cutting-edge procedures and techniques  1. This ensures that residents receive the best clinical exposure, guided by leaders in the field.

Research Opportunities

The program places a significant emphasis on research and innovation. Affiliated with the Cardiovascular Innovation Institute (CII), residents have access to unique research facilities focused on enhancing cardiovascular health through discovery and implementation of new technologies. The CII is recognized for its extensive studies in heart disease and collaborates on various projects pertaining to mechanical circulatory support devices and surgical treatment methodologies. Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects which contribute to the scientific community and enhance their professional training 3.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the residency program, candidates must have completed a five-year General Surgery residency program at an ACGME-accredited institution. Foreign medical graduates must be certified by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and must hold a J1 visa. Candidates must also be eligible for licensure in Kentucky. Application requirements include a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, CV, and official transcripts from medical school along with copies of in-training examination reports. The program is open to all eligible persons without bias towards race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or age 1.

Visa Support

The program supports J1 visa sponsorship for qualified foreign candidates. This is particularly important for international medical graduates seeking training opportunities in U.S.-based residency programs. Such visa arrangements help facilitate access to the program for prospective residents from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the educational environment 3.

Competitiveness and Community Engagement

The Thoracic Surgery residency at University of Louisville is considered highly competitive due to its strong clinical training background and the advanced opportunities available to residents. The program welcomes applicants from both DO and IMG backgrounds, promoting an inclusive approach to resident selection. Moreover, the residency promotes community health engagement through outreach initiatives like the Heartwheels! STEM Mobile Outreach program. This initiative not only serves to educate young people about cardiovascular health but also piques their interest in potential careers in medicine 7.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Louisville's Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency is distinguished by its robust integration of research and clinical practice, the use of innovative technologies, and a personalized approach to surgical education. With a commitment to developing the next wave of leaders in thoracic surgery, the program focuses on a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both technical skills and ethical patient care. This holistic approach assures that residents are not only skilled surgeons but also compassionate caregivers capable of making meaningful contributions to patient health outcomes 5.