University of Southern California Cardiothoracic Surgery has been a leader in the treatment of cardiothoracic diseases for more than 10 years. Under the leadership of Vaughn A. Starnes, M.D., USC surgeons have performed more than 15,000 open heart surgeries for valve repair and replacements and coronary artery bypasses, and more than 10,000 surgeries for diseases of the lungs, esophagus and chest wall.

About the Program
The Cardiothoracic Surgery Training Program, under the directorship of Vaughn A. Starnes, M.D., is designed to give residents the expertise to qualify for the American Board of Thoracic Surgery certification. Our curriculum and facilities offers the residents extensive and comprehensive training by exposing them to the full range of cardiothoracic conditions. High patient volume contributes greatly to the learning experience. We are committed to ensuring that residents perform a large number of cases and that they are exposed to the full spectrum of clinical environments in which they may practice one day. We have among our training sites a private university hospital; a Childrens Hospital, a large county medical center, and a large community based hospital with a long tradition of academic affiliation with the University of Southern California.

Introductory First Year

The primary objectives of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Training Program are:

* Patient Care
* Resident education
* Graded responsibility for the trainee with close faculty supervision

These objectives are accomplished with an introductory year, followed by two years that count toward Board certification. Residents entering the program with varying levels of knowledge and technical skill; therefore, in the introductory year they are familiarized with the basic concepts and techniques many of which are unique to cardiothoracic surgery.

This introductory year begins at USC University Hospital under the supervision of the Program Director and the Director of General Thoracic surgery. Residents spend a minimum of six months learning the basic skills of surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass, vascular anastomic techniques, and the latest approaches to minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery. There is also exposure to all aspects of general thoracic surgery with a strong emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disease.

With the basic skills mastered, the residents are prepared to assume greater responsibility at the other training sites affiliated with the program. This approach has provided a structured, non-threatening learning environment for our residents, and has simultaneously ensured optimal patient care.