2*

*Number of students can be discussed but will not exceed three on elective at the same time.  

This elective can be developed with specific student interests in mind and will provide an introductory exposure to both, patients in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. An informal meeting with the supervising Attending Surgeon prior to the attachment is highly recommended to develop a suitable approach to the time spent in the department.

The student will be part of the thoracic and cardiovascular team and will participate actively in the preoperative evaluation and preparation of the patient, as well as the postoperative management. The learning experience in the operating room consists of a range of cardiac and thoracic procedures in the open chest and with minimally invasive approaches, including endoscopic and robotic assisted operative procedures. Students may choose to participate in complex operative procedures including transplantation as a member of the team as feasible. He/She will make rounds with the attendings and residents daily, and therefore, participate in the postoperative follow-up of the patients.

There will be daily opportunity to review the x-rays, chest CT and coronary & aortic angiograms as well as oncological imaging for individual patients prior to the operation.

Active participation in twice weekly conferences will help developing conceptual insights to Thoracic and CV disease processes. Application of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology and interpretation of critical care laboratory data and hemodynamic monitoring is emphasized.

Interview with feedback: prior to and upon completion of elective.

Participation in rounds and oral presentations will be basis of assessments.

Additional educative assessments maybe arranged on an individual basis.