Mission Statement:
In the course of their two-year curriculum in cardiothoracic surgery, the residents are expected to obtain the necessary theoretical and manual skills to enable them to function as competent, independent practitioners in cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery. The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Carolinas Medical Center is a comprehensive fully accredited two-year training program in the sub-specialties of congenital, adult and general thoracic surgery. The program offers additional highlights in endovascular intervention, peripheral vascular surgery, electrophysiology, and cardiovascular research.

Typical Resident Work Day:
The resident's working day is expected to begin by making independent rounds. Every morning the faculty meets with the residents and goes through individually on all patients and discusses the action involving the same. Between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, there are appropriate teaching conferences. At 8:00 AM, our operating schedule begins. There are five scheduled teaching conferences every week enhanced by lectures of visiting experts in the field. National and international experts spend time periods at the DTCS as visiting professors.

Typical Meeting Schedule
Morning Clinical Conference meets daily- Chief of Department/Program Director

Morbidity and Mortality meets once a week- Chief of Department/Program Director

Core Curriculum meets once a week- Program Director

Pulmonary Conference meets every second week- Program Director

Congenital Cardiac Teaching Rounds meets once a month- Chief, Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery Service

Vascular Conference meets once a week- Chief, Vascular Service

Trauma Teaching Rounds meets once a month- Chief, Trauma Service

Journal Club meets once a week- Program Director

Intensive Care Unit Teaching Rounds meets once a month- Director, ICU

General Competencies meets twice a month- Program Director

Visiting Professors Average meets once a month- Program Director