Program Highlights
Michal Lada presented with the Paul R. Schloerb, MD Award 2017 – 2018.
Our Training Model
We are fully subscribed in the integrated six year program, having graduated our first integrated resident in 2016, As of 2017, we have a resident in the lab as well as one traditional thoracic surgery fellow beginning his second and final year of training. We are thrilled to be early adopters of this cutting edge model of training and to be at the frontier of surgical training for the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons.
We are unique to be able to offer opportunities in every area of cardiothoracic surgery; including adult cardiac, congenital, heart failure and transplantation, thoracic and esophageal surgery.
Technology
Fellows are exposed to and trained on the latest cutting edge technology. We have a robust minimally invasive valve practice including transcatheter aortic valve implantation. The Artificial Heart Program is a national leader in left ventricular assist devices, totally artificial heart replacement, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Residents will learn novel approaches to aortic surgery (TEVAR, EVAR), off pump coronary surgery, minimally invasive procedures and innovative techniques in the treatment congenital heart disease in neonates and adults. While on the thoracic service, residents will gain experience with robotic technology in the treatment of esophageal and lung disease. The esophageal laboratory is a world leader in the multimodal diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant esophageal disease. In addition, residents will become skilled in advanced bronchoscopy techniques, EBUS, navigational bronchoscopy and VATS lung surgery.
Esophageal Diagnostic Laboratory
Unique to the University of Rochester, the Esophageal Diagnostic Laboratory is state of the art in the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders. Diagnostic techniques such as upper endoscopy, high resolution manometry, and pH monitoring can be performed right in the clinic. We have an outstanding research program investigating advanced diagnostics, treatment strategies, and outcomes research of esophageal disease. Research of esophageal disease occurs in collaboration with research fellows who come from around the world. Work in the lab is incorporated into the third year for residents with a thoracic emphasis.
Cardiology Collaboration
Residents who declare a cardiac emphasis will rotate in the cardiac catheterization and echocardiography laboratories during the third year. The cardiac catheterization lab rotation is designed to provide experience in diagnostic coronary angiography and gain familiarity with catheter based approaches to coronary disease, congenital lesions, heart biopsies, invasive hemodynamics, and arrhythmias. The echocardiography rotation exposes the resident to acute and chronic cardiovascular problems both through direct patient imaging and through many formal and informal didactic teaching sessions. Residents build a foundational experience in both transthoracic and transesophageal imaging techniques and interpretation essential to the practice of cardiac surgery.
Research
Residents are encouraged to participate in research and publish an article in a reputable journal every year. Opportunities are available in outcomes research, animal models of cardiac disease, innovative new devices, FDA drug investigations, or new techniques in the surgical treatment of thoracic and cardiac disease. Additionally, interested residents may take out an optional additional year to dedicate to research during his or her training.