University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

Thoracic Surgery-Integrated Analyst Verified · Sep 15, 2026

University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

University of North Carolina Hospitals Program is a residency program specializing in Thoracic Surgery-Integrated, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, directed by Benjamin Haithcock and coordinated by Abby Johnston. The program accepts applications through January 31, 2027. International Medical Graduates interested in this program may contact the program coordinator directly at [email protected] or (919) 966-3381. IMGPrep analysts have verified and compiled this program’s IMG acceptance rate, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 score requirements, Visa Sponsorship Policy, graduation year cutoff, and ECFMG certificate requirements — available to IMGPrep subscribers.

Program Identity & Fit

UNC's integrated six-year cardiothoracic surgery residency is a university-based, tertiary academic program that trains residents directly from medical school toward ABTS certification, deliberately building a broad foundation in general, vascular, and GI surgery before progressing to focused cardiac and thoracic training. The curriculum is structured around graduated autonomy, with early PGY 1-3 years split between UNC Hospitals and WakeMed Medical Center for high-volume general surgery exposure, and PGY 4-6 years devoted to progressively senior cardiac, thoracic, esophageal, and transplant experience culminating in a chief resident role. The program emphasizes a multi-disciplinary, technologically evolving practice model - hybrid ORs, endovascular and minimally invasive techniques alongside open surgery - and offers a three-month PGY-5 elective block to deepen focus in adult cardiac, congenital cardiac, thoracic/esophageal, or vascular/endovascular surgery. Research infrastructure exists at the departmental level (NIH-funded grants, training grants, senior scientist mentorship) but is not framed as central to the CT residency identity itself, which prioritizes structured, high-volume clinical and operative development toward independent CT surgical practice.

Who it fits

A medical student fully committed to cardiothoracic surgery from the outset, with ERAS narratives reflecting sustained surgical/cardiac interest, strong technical aptitude, and comfort with a long, structured, graduated-autonomy training pathway rather than a desire for early subspecialization or research immersion.

Research intensity

Moderate - departmental research infrastructure and NIH funding exist and are accessible, but the residency curriculum itself centers on clinical/operative progression rather than mandatory scholarly output.

Career orientation

Fellowship - the six-year integrated pathway is structured entirely toward direct ABTS board certification and independent cardiothoracic surgical practice rather than further post-residency fellowship or academic research tracks.

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