Requirements and Programs

Applicants to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency program must have completed a residency in surgery and either be eligible for or have successfully taken the examination given by The American Board of Surgery. For residents who began their Thoracic Surgery residency in July 2003 or after, certification by the American Board of Surgery is optional. While a background in basic science research experience is desirable, it is not mandatory.

Each year, three residents begin a Cardiothoracic Residency on August 1. These are chosen by the faculty of Weill Cornell Medicine|NewYork-Presbyterian and follow a cardiac or thoracic track.

We are now offering a National Residency Match Program (NRMP)-certified general thoracic position under the direction of Nasser K. Altorki, M.D. This 15/9 thoracic track program is based at Weill Cornell Medicine and will include 15 months of thoracic-only exposure (twelve months at WCM and three months at MSKCC) and 9 months of cardiac training at WCM. Our cardiac track will continue to include three months of thoracic training at WCM, three months at MSKCC, and 18 months of cardiac exposure at WCM:

We welcome and support non-expiring J1 visas that do not require extension beyond the 7-year maximum. The NYP GME office does not currently support H1B visas. Learn more. Please call our office for details.