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Find information on the Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship in the Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Three Year Traditional Program

This program is for those individuals who have completed an accredited general surgery residency. Indiana University School of Medicine also offers a Six-Year Integrated Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency for individuals applying directly out of medical school.

One resident is accepted into this training pathway each year. The resident can elect either a “Cardiac Track” or “Thoracic Track” depending on her/his interests. Regardless of track, the resident is exposed to all subspecialties with the same educational goals, expectations, and responsibilities. The difference is that the designated track allows for more time spent rotating in the desired specialty during the third year, which includes discretion on elective rotations.

Clinical exposure covers all aspects of adult cardiac, general thoracic, and pediatric/congenital cardiothoracic surgery at the major clinical sites: IU Methodist Hospital, IU University Medical Center, Riley Children’s Hospital, and Roudebush VA Medical Center. There is an emphasis on progressive autonomy in clinical and surgical decision-making as the resident’s abilities grow. The program culminates in a chief resident year, when the resident will be expected to lead and manage clinical services and teams.

The resident will participate in all formal educational activities, including weekly didactic conferences, board examination reviews, surgical skills simulation sessions, and mock oral examinations. Both the clinical rotations and formal educational curriculum are executed in tandem with residents in the Integrated Residency Program.

How to Apply to the Three-Year Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program

All applications must be received through the Electronic Residency ApplicationProgram (ERAS).

Minimum requirements

for applications are as follows:

  • ERAS® Application with Photo
  • Letters of Recommendation (3 minimum)
  • General Surgery Chair or Program Director Letter
  • USMLE Scores
  • Medical Student Performance Evaluation
  • Medical Student Transcripts 
  • Personal Statement
  • Eligibility to attain medical licensure by the State of Indiana
  • Graduates of a non-US medical school must also include an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certificate

Qualified applicants will be offered an invitation to interview. Applicant interviews are held November through January. For questions about the program or application process, please contact the Residency Program Director, Dr. DuyKhanh Ceppa, or the Residency Program Coordinator, Ms. Cherron Jones.

Learn more

Learn more about IU School of Medicine’s Graduate Medical Education program, including details on stipends, benefits, policies and more.

Office of GME