Program Overview

The six-year Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program (I6) at Mount Sinai prioritizes training the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons. This means that immediately upon beginning your Post Graduate Year (PGY)-one year, you will be exposed to the care of complex cardiovascular and thoracic surgery patients setting the educational foundation for years to come.  The program utilizes the maximum amount of time allotted by the ACGME that can be spent on rotations that are centered on cardiothoracic care. Additionally, our residents spend a dedicated year performing general surgery for which all of our residents have far exceeded the minimum case requirements.

Program Curriculum

All residents exceed ABTS case requirements, both in case numbers and complexity. Mount Sinai residents start early and adapt the I6 block schedule to meet individual training needs. 

Clinical Skills

Residents spend dedicated time on each of the individual seven services (Mitral, Aortic, Heart Failure, Adult Cardiac, Congenital, Endovascular, and Thoracic/Lung Transplant) in order to completely immerse themselves in each specialty. This experience provides an unparalleled education in each of the major clinical specialties of cardiac and thoracic surgery

Our program prioritizes hands on experience both in and out of the operating room beginning early in residency. As the knowledge and skillset of the trainee improves with time, more responsibility and opportunity is provided to continue and improve upon the education throughout the residency. 

Conference & Education

The teaching and conference schedule includes weekly resident teaching followed by Grand Rounds and monthly Mortality and Morbidity reviews (M&Ms), as well as weekly thoracic tumor board, weekly heart failure meetings, and daily teaching in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU) for residents on those respective services.

The Morbidity and Mortality Conference offers near-time review and discussion of relevant and interesting cases. Senior residents present each case in the context of its complications and applicable current literature.

A Grand Rounds Lecture features national experts who discuss and present state-of-the-art developments in their respective fields. The series enables residents to stay abreast of cutting-edge medical science.

Team Conferences consist of case presentations followed by an in-depth discussion of current literature. Residents lead the didactic sessions while faculty members serve as facilitators.  

Program Leadership

Under the direction of David H. Adams, MD, faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge to the six-year Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency. Professors in our program are experts in surgical training and provide residents with the necessary tools to serve their patients with the highest quality of care.  

  • David H. Adams, MD
    Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Professor and Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery; Cardiac Surgeon-in-Chief of the Mount Sinai Health System; and President of the Mitral Foundation
  • Raja Flores, MD
    Chairman, Department of Thoracic Surgery
    Steven and Ann Ames Professor in Thoracic Surgery
  • Percy Boateng, MD
    I-6 Residency Program Director, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Bert Williams, MD
    I-6 Associate Program Director, Assistant Professor of Cardiovascular Surgery

Observerships

Observerships are facilitated through an extremely selective process. Only applicants that are sponsored by a current faculty member are permitted to observe the respective surgeon in the operating room. Interested applicants should contact education manager, LaVerne Powell who will provide information and instructions

Observers are:

  • Required to have a Mount Sinai Department of Cardiovascular Surgery faculty sponsor.
  • Not eligible for visa sponsorship.
  • Not permitted to have any patient contact.
  • Not allowed to receive any compensation while they are at Mount Sinai.
  • Required to clear HIPAA, Employee Health Service health screening and toxicology.