Cardiothoracic Surgery (Clinical Elective)

4 units

The elective in cardiothoracic surgery is a four-week clinical rotation with two-week blocks divided between adult cardiac, pediatric cardiothoracic, and general thoracic surgery (according to the student's preference). Students will participate in morning work rounds, attend the operative procedures of their choice, and attend weekly conferences and teaching rounds. Students will be introduced not only to the surgical procedures, but also to the postoperative care of the surgical patients. On the pediatric and adult cardiac services, students will be introduced to the principles of cardiopulmonary bypass, repair of congenital heart defects, ventricular assist devices, heart lung transplantation and procurement, coronary artery bypass surgery (on and off pump), valve repair and replacement, complex aortic surgery, the MAZE procedures and others. On the adult cardiac surgery service, students will function as sub-interns under the direct supervision of a faculty member. On the thoracic surgical rotation, students will have the opportunity to perform bronchoscopy, esophagoscopy, gastroscopy, and participate in surgical resections of lung cancer and esophageal cancer, as well as surgery for emphysema and for benign esophageal conditions. Students will also participate in lung transplantation surgery. Medical students are also invited to participate in ongoing research projects under the mentorship of surgery faculty. Please contact the course director if you are interested in this option.