University of Utah Health Program

The University of Utah Health Program in Thoracic Surgery - Independent at Salt Lake City offers an intensive and comprehensive training experience for residents in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. The program is structured over six clinical years, with the first three years dedicated to broad surgical training, followed by three years of focused cardiothoracic surgical education.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is organized into progressive training levels:

PGY-1: Foundations of Surgery

During the first year, residents begin to develop a foundational understanding of surgical principles and patient care. The focus is on learning preoperative and postoperative care as well as basic surgical skills. Clinical rotations include Trauma, Emergency Surgery, Foregut Surgery, Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Surgical Oncology, and more, ensuring a broad exposure to various surgical specialties 1.

PGY-2: Increased Responsibility

In the second year, residents continue to enhance their skills and take on more complex cases. Responsibilities deepen in preoperative and postoperative patient management, diagnostic work-up, and development of treatment plans. Clinical rotations include Acute Care Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, and Cardiothoracic Surgery 1.

PGY-3: Senior Resident Role

The third year marks a transition to senior-level training, where residents take on greater responsibility in the operating room. They hone their technical skills in more advanced surgical techniques and procedures, with rotations in Colorectal Surgery, Surgical Oncology, and Cardiothoracic Surgery 1.

Professional Development and Research Opportunities

Following the initial three years of clinical training, the program dedicates two years to Professional Development and Academic Enrichment. These years are flexible, allowing residents to engage in laboratory or clinical research, often alongside the pursuit of a graduate degree in a related field, such as a Master's or PhD. This aspect prepares residents for academic and research-oriented careers in addition to clinical practice 1.

Specialized Training Experience

The last three years of the program cater specifically to the intricacies of cardiothoracic surgery. In the fourth year, residents continue to gain experience with open and minimally invasive techniques in thoracic and esophageal surgery. They begin to take on roles as first assistants on complex pediatric cardiac cases 1.

Years Five and Six: Chief Resident Experience

In the fifth year, residents operate at a senior level, becoming primary surgeons under direct supervision. The sixth year culminates in serving as the chief resident, taking on leadership responsibilities in patient care and administration, while also gaining exposure to elective rotations 1.

Training Sites

The residency training occurs at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Utah Hospital, Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Salt Lake City VA Medical Center, Primary Children's Hospital, and Intermountain Medical Center. Each site offers diverse clinical encounters that enrich the residency experience 1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) and sponsors H-1B visas, allowing for participation in residency training. The application process is selective, with a competitive environment. Candidates who are international medical graduates or those from DO programs are welcomed, emphasizing a diversity of backgrounds in addition to a strong commitment to the surgical field 1.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

This program is known to be highly competitive. Applicants are typically required to have completed their medical school within a designated time frame and demonstrate successful passage of relevant board examinations, with specific criteria regarding the maximum number of failed STEP exams allowed 1.