University of Rochester Medical Center Program

Program Identity & Fit

This is a quaternary, academic integrated six-year (I6) cardiothoracic surgery residency at University of Rochester Medical Center, a regional referral center serving all of upstate New York with high-volume, technologically advanced practice in valvular heart disease, mechanical circulatory support, congenital cardiac surgery, thoracic oncology, and benign esophageal disease. The curriculum builds progressive autonomy from first assistant to primary surgeon across six years, with a track choice (Cardiac vs. Thoracic) after year two and dedicated exposure to cath lab, echocardiography, and a unique in-house Esophageal Diagnostic and Endoscopic Laboratory for thoracic-track residents. Research is encouraged and integrated into training (with an optional non-mandatory research year) but not required, reflecting a program that prioritizes technical mastery, case volume (~2500 index cases/year), and minimally invasive/structural innovation over a mandatory academic research pathway. With only one position per year, the program appears to value focused, self-directed candidates who have already demonstrated strong technical aptitude and clarity about a cardiac or thoracic subspecialty direction.