Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Thoracic Surgery Program Overview

The Thoracic Surgery residency program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a three-year ACGME-accredited program focused on developing skill sets necessary for independent practice in adult cardiac and general thoracic surgery. The program is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology related to cardiovascular, respiratory, and upper gastrointestinal diseases.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The training is structured to encompass various aspects of thoracic surgery, with extensive practical exposure at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, which is equipped with over 750 beds and more than 30 operating rooms, alongside being a level one trauma and a major referral center for Virginia. A key component of the curriculum includes a rotation at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where residents gain in-depth experience in congenital heart surgery. This rotation lasts between two to four months and is supported by housing and a stipend.1

Training Overview

During the residency, fellows undergo diverse rotations including:

• General Thoracic & Foregut Surgery at VCU Medical Center (4 months)
• Cardiac Surgery ICU at VCU Medical Center (1 month)
• Adult Cardiac Surgery at VCU Medical Center (6 months)
• General Thoracic & Foregut Surgery at VCU Medical Center (4 months)
• Congenital Cardiac Surgery at the National Children’s Medical Center (4 months)
• Adult Cardiac Surgery at VCU Medical Center (4 months)
• Chief Resident Responsibilities spanning Adult Cardiac Surgery, Transplant & Mechanical Circulatory Support, Aortic Surgery and General Thoracic Surgery at VCU Medical Center (4-10 months)1

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship program. Residents are expected to complete at least one research project each year which is submitted for presentation at national meetings. Research may include areas from clinical questions to outcomes and quality improvement studies. The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery also actively participates in several registries such as the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database, the Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative (VCSQI), and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), providing excellent platforms for analysis and publication of results.1

Conferences and Educational Activities

The program ensures that residents have protected time for attendance and presentation at vital educational conferences. Notable conferences include:

• Cardiothoracic surgery core curriculum conference, featuring a blend of lectures and seminars
• Weekly case management conferences focused on cardiology and cardiac surgery
• Transplantation conferences that review patient management for cardiac and pulmonary transplantation
• Multidisciplinary conferences for thoracic malignancy discussions
• Quality assurance meetings aimed at improving service through case review and discussion
• Additional educational formats, including journal clubs and visiting professor series.1

Living in Richmond, VA

Richmond, Virginia offers a vibrant mix of metropolitan amenities and historical charm. The VCU School of Medicine is centrally located within Richmond, allowing residents to engage actively with the local community. With numerous outdoor activities, cultural events, and a conducive living environment, residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle during their rigorous training periods.1

Application Process and Requirements

The application for the Thoracic Surgery residency program is submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). Special application requirements include:

• Eligibility for J-1 visa sponsorship (H-1B visa is not accepted)
• A maximum of one failed attempt on the USMLE Step exams is permitted
• Graduates must have completed their medical schooling within the last four years
• Direct patient care experience in the U.S. or Canada is essential, with specific requirements regarding observerships versus clinical rotations.1

Competitiveness

This program is considered highly competitive, appealing to both U.S. and international medical graduates. The program encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, indicating a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for the candidate pool.1