University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Joe and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine Program

Program Identity & Fit

This is an academic, university-affiliated integrated six-year cardiothoracic surgery program built around a multi-institutional clinical network spanning University Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and the VA, giving residents exposure to adult cardiac, thoracic, congenital, heart failure/transplant, and vascular disease in a single training track from PGY1 through chief year. The curriculum emphasizes graduated autonomy toward independent practice, structured simulation training through the Johnson Center for Surgical Innovation (24/7 access, dedicated intern skills month, quarterly wet labs), and a dense multidisciplinary conference structure (structural heart, aortic, thoracic tumor board, lung cancer, GI cancer) reflecting a broad general cardiothoracic identity rather than a narrow subspecialty focus. Weekly grand rounds with outside invited speakers and monthly journal club suggest an emphasis on scholarly engagement and exposure to the national CT surgery community, though the program's stated goals center on clinical operative training and preparing surgeons for independent practice rather than a research-heavy academic pipeline. The program values residents who can thrive in a high-volume, multi-site operative environment with early technical skill acquisition and progressive clinical responsibility.