How to apply to the cardiothoracic surgery residency at Tufts Medical Center

Applying to our cardiothoracic surgery residency program involves submitting a complete application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency or equivalent before starting. Required materials include a CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts and USMLE scores.

We review applications holistically, focusing on academic achievements, clinical experience and commitment to cardiothoracic surgery. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews to learn more about the program and meet our faculty and residents.

For detailed application deadlines, requirements and contact information, please visit our official application page or contact the program coordinator.

Experienced cardiac + thoracic surgeons leading your training

Our faculty includes expert cardiac and general thoracic surgeons at Tufts Medical Center who are deeply committed to surgical education. Each team member actively participates in teaching, evaluation and professional development. We train not only outstanding technical surgeons but also compassionate physicians with strong clinical judgment and dedication to patient care.

• Lawrence Lee, MD, MBA
• Gregory Couper, MD
• Yong Zhan, MD
• Aaron Sparks, DO
• Marzia Leacche, MD
• Masashi Kawabori, MD
• Rona Spector, MD
• Lana Schumacher, MD

Cardiothoracic surgery residency schedule, work hours, call responsibilities + benefits

Cardiothoracic residents take call from home for their assigned service and institution during the week and every other weekend for all services and institutions. While in-house call is not required, residents are responsible for covering emergency surgeries and managing care for critically ill patients.

Our program strictly follows the guidelines set by the Residency Review Committee and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education regarding resident work hours to ensure a balanced and safe training environment.

Each resident is supported to attend one national meeting per year at the Division’s expense, with additional meeting attendance supported for abstract or research presentations. While participation in clinical research projects is highly encouraged, it is not mandatory. Remuneration aligns with the standard levels for 6th and 7th post-graduate years at our institution.

Comprehensive hands-on training in cardiothoracic surgery with diverse clinical rotations + progressive responsibility

Our cardiothoracic surgery residency provides a comprehensive and hands-on training experience designed to prepare residents for independent practice. With a mix of high-volume clinical rotations and tailored educational opportunities, residents develop the skills and judgment needed to excel in all areas of cardiothoracic surgery. From complex heart operations to advanced thoracic procedures, the program offers diverse exposure combined with progressive responsibility and personalized mentorship.

Clinical opportunities

Clinical rotations may be tailored to individual resident interests and goals. Typically, residents spend 12 nonconsecutive months at Tufts Medical Center, gaining exposure to approximately 1,000 heart operations and 300 thoracic cases annually. The cardiac surgery service usually operates three rooms per day, while the thoracic surgery service runs one room daily. Recent resident case logs consistently exceed all American Board of Thoracic Surgery requirements.

Residents also complete a thoracic surgery rotation at the Lahey Clinic, located about 10 miles north of Boston. A congenital cardiac rotation at Boston Children’s Hospital is available for those interested. Additional rotations can be arranged based on resident preferences.

The clinical experience is designed to provide graded responsibility, with residents serving as chief of service at times. In this role, they lead patient rounds alongside physician assistants, general surgical residents, and medical students from Tufts University School of Medicine.

Cardiac surgery experience

Residents gain exposure to the full range of adult cardiac procedures, including complex coronary artery revascularization, valve repair and replacement, arrhythmia surgery, thoracic aortic surgery, advanced heart failure treatments, cardiac transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, and minimally invasive techniques. Tufts Medical Center is nationally recognized as a top ten heart failure and transplant center.

Thoracic surgery experience

General thoracic surgery training includes a broad spectrum of routine and complex procedures. Residents gain experience with minimally invasive approaches such as VATS and robotic surgery, as well as pulmonary, tracheal, and chest wall resections. Training also covers benign and malignant esophageal surgeries.

Educational conferences and lectures

The program features dedicated small group conferences and lectures that reinforce clinical learning and promote active participation. Residents also participate in a city-wide mock oral exam preparation program to build confidence and sharpen decision-making skills. These educational activities complement clinical training and support each resident’s growth toward independent practice.

Resident-focused education philosophy

Our program emphasizes a resident-focused educational approach. We ensure each resident’s individual needs are met, with the goal of supporting their professional and personal ambitions throughout training.

Comprehensive cardiothoracic surgery residency training with personalized mentorship + high-volume clinical experience

The Tufts Medical Center Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program is an ACGME-accredited, two-year training program designed for individuals who have completed an ACGME-accredited or equivalent residency in surgery. The program maintains a small, selective cohort with three residents at any given time, admitting one or two residents each year. Resident education is a top priority, with faculty dedicated to personalized teaching and mentoring for every trainee.

Residents gain comprehensive exposure to adult cardiac, general thoracic and congenital cardiothoracic surgery. Training rotations take place at Tufts Medical Center, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, and Boston Children’s Hospital. As residents demonstrate competency, they earn progressive autonomy in clinical and surgical decision-making.

The clinical experience is complemented by a strong educational curriculum that includes weekly didactic conferences, surgical skills simulation sessions and mock oral examinations. Residents are expected to actively participate and prepare for all educational activities.

Our program’s goal is to train future leaders in cardiothoracic surgery. Graduates are fully prepared to enter independent practice in academic or community settings or to pursue further subspecialty training. Alumni have successfully launched careers throughout the United States.

Train with leaders + operate with confidence while thriving in our cardiothoracic surgery residency program

Tufts Medical Center offers a highly selective, two-year Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program accredited by the ACGME. Designed for physicians who have completed an accredited general surgery residency, our program provides comprehensive training in adult cardiac and general thoracic surgery. With only one or two residents accepted each year, we ensure each trainee receives focused, personalized mentorship and hands-on experience.

Residents train across multiple high-volume sites, including Tufts Medical Center and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. The curriculum includes didactic lectures, surgical simulation and robust clinical exposure, ensuring our graduates exceed case minimums and are well-prepared for independent practice or further subspecialty training.

Our small cohort model fosters a strong sense of community, direct access to faculty, and a progressive path toward surgical autonomy. Graduates have gone on to build successful careers in both academic and community settings across the country.

Program highlights:

• Two-year ACGME-accredited program
• High case volume: ~1,000 adult cardiac and ~300 thoracic cases annually
• Rotations at Tufts Medical Center, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center and optional congenital surgery at Boston Children's Hospital
• Weekly didactics, mock orals and surgical skills training
• Individualized mentorship and career development support

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