The Integrated (I-6) Thoracic Surgery Residency
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Virginia sponsors our nationally recognized academic training program for Thoracic Surgery. The Thoracic Surgery program has been training physicians in Thoracic Surgery since 1955 when William H. Muller Jr. MD established the program. Since that time, faculty members of the Division have continued the commitment to excellence in preparing physicians for careers in Thoracic surgery, teaching, and research.
The Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency program at the University of Virginia, approved in January 2011, is designed for residents entering directly from medical school for training in cardiothoracic surgery. Upon completion of the program, residents will be eligible for certification by The American Board of Thoracic Surgery. There is one (1) position each year designated for the I-6 program.
Current I-6 Residents
Research and Innovation
Many incredible opportunities exist at the University of Virginia to become involved in outcomes, translational, or basic science research. We are currently funded by an NIH T32 training grant that allows our residents to spend dedicated time advancing the field of cardiothoracic surgery through a variety of projects.
At the conclusion of the PGY-2 year, each resident is required to spend 2 years pursuing academic development. This dedicated time is most often spent completing research projects in cardiac and thoracic surgery. Many opportunities exist in translational science such as working with both small and large animal models which also provides trainees the ability to develop their technical skills within cardiothoracic surgery. There is also a research committee led by trainees that completes a multitude of outcomes-based projects each year.
During these years, residents have the opportunity to complete a Master’s Programs in a variety of disciplines offered through the University of Virginia. Previous residents have earned degrees in Clinical Research, Business Administration, Public Health, and Data Science.
For over two decades, the Kron/Laubach lab has been investigating lung injury as it pertains to ischemia and reperfusion, during lung transplantation, and during cardiopulmonary bypass. Dr. Roeser’s research focuses on innovative technologies to treat ARDS and burn injuries. Collectively, this lab has had numerous grants from the NIH, DOD, and American Heart Association.
The Department of Surgery at UVA developed a Surgical Innovation Center in 2016. Since then, we have developed, disclosed, and patented dozens of medical devices and concepts. The Innovation Center is a partnership between our department and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, the Darden School of Business, and UVA’s License and Ventures Group. UVA cardiac surgeons have been leading these efforts with several devices in development.
Clinical Curriculum
Our primary focus is on the operative experience of the residents, with early and increasing autonomy for the residents as they gain experience in the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative management of our cardiothoracic surgical patients.
Residents within the integrated program rotate through a variety of services geared toward developing autonomous cardiothoracic surgeons. Through a strong relationship with both General Surgery and Vascular Surgery, our residents develop the necessary technical skills and clinical knowledge applicable to managing patients with surgical thoracic and cardiovascular disease.
*General surgery rotations include areas such as colorectal surgery, emergency general surgery, minimally invasive, bariatric and foregut surgery, and transplant surgery
I-6 Program Graduates: Where are they now?
| Graduation Year | Name | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jolian Dahl, MD | Kaiser Permanente |
| 2023 | Jared Beller, MD | Cardiothoracic Surgery Faculty, University of Virginia |
| 2022 | Sarah Clark, MD | Private Practice, Providence International Heart Institute of Montana |
| 2021 | Robert Hawkins, MD, MSc | Cardiothoracic Surgery Faculty, University of Michigan |
| 2020 | Emily Downs, MD | Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship, University of Colorado University of Colorado Congenital Cardiac Surgery Faculty |
| 2019 | Cindy Choate, MD | Cardiothoracic Surgery Faculty, Virginia Tech-Carilion Clinic |
| 2018 | Kenan Yount, MD, MBA | Cardiothoracic Surgery Faculty, University of Virginia |
University of Virginia Graduate Medical Education Office
The University of Virginia has an outstanding office of Graduate Medical Education with robust resources, programs and initiatives including a leading Housestaff Community Development Initiative. Learn more here about GME support and advocacy during your training at UVA.
Application Info
Applications to our program are accepted through Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS AAMC).