Pathways

The UAB Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency provides two pathways for training:

• Traditional two-year pathway (following completed general surgery residency):
  • Match into two-year program via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
• Integrated 4/3 pathway:
  • Apply as a medical student to the Cardiothoracic track of the UAB General Surgery Residency Program
  • Apply as a PGY3 UAB General Surgery resident

Curriculum

The typical curriculum for a UAB cardiothoracic surgery resident depends on their chosen pathway, as well as whether the resident is a cardiac-track or thoracic-track resident within the program. ABTS case requirements differ depending on which track a resident takes. For integrated residents, elective time is offered, which allows time for residents on the cardiac track to learn techniques in cardiac catheterization and echocardiography, while residents in the thoracic track are given time to learn techniques in interventional pulmonology.

Other features of our residency program include weekly didactic cardiac conferences, weekly didactic thoracic conferences, monthly morbidity and mortality sessions, monthly simulator/wet lab sessions, funded opportunities to attend national/regional meetings, support for selected “away” rotations and mock oral boards.

Cardiac Track:

Thoracic Track: