Cardiothoracic Surgery Integrated Residency Program
Welcome from Program Director
Welcome to the Divisions of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Rochester has a rich tradition regarding resident education and we embrace that atmosphere within the Divisions of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. The medical center is a large referral center for all of Upstate New York. This large referral area provides high clinical volume and broad-based exposure in both Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. We pride ourselves in the balanced experience that our residents can achieve and in their future successes, a reflection on the solid and innovative nature of their education.
At the University of Rochester Medical Center, we are committed to the six year Integrated Program in Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery. We are the first program to receive 10 Year ACGME re-accreditation without citation. We have the advantage of maintaining our training program mostly within a single institution. This provides the optimal control over our residents' medical and surgical training experience and allows us to create a family atmosphere with an emphasis on mentoring, coaching, and academic development. Our integrated program is flexible to allow for both Cardiac and Thoracic expertise and has the option of including a year of research at the discretion of each resident.
Our Thoracic Surgery program is very active in both managing both Pulmonary and Foregut disease processes. All of the most innovative and cutting edge techniques are available for our residents to master because of the significant volume on the Thoracic Surgery Service. The Cardiac Surgery service boasts a robust experience in heart failure including ventricular assist devices, transplant and a strong adult program in all aspects of valvular, aortic and coronary disease.
We invite you to learn more about our program both in terms of clinical strength and research opportunities in the pursuit of academic surgery. I believe that you will find that the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Divisions of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery provide an organized, dedicated, and nurturing environment to ensure that our graduates are mature, capable, and competitive as they enter the work force.
Again thank you for your interest in the University of Rochester Medical Center, Divisions of Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery.
For more information feel free to email us at Rachel_Zapata-Bermudez@URMC.Rochester.edu or call (585) 275-1510.
George Hicks, MD, Program Director
Our Facilities
Strong Memorial Hospital
One of the nation's top academic medical centers, the University of Rochester Medical Center forms the centerpiece of the University's health research, teaching, patient care, and community outreach missions. With more than $145 million in federal research funding, UR School of Medicine research funding ranks in the top one-quarter of U.S. medical centers, while the School of Nursing ranks 12th highest in funding. The University's health care delivery network is anchored by Strong Memorial Hospital—a 849-bed, University-owned teaching hospital—which boasts programs that consistently rank among "America's Best Hospitals," according to U.S. News & World Report.
Highland Hospital
Highland Hospital is a 268 bed community hospital associated with the University of Rochester. Residents rotate on general surgery, bariatric surgery, and vascular surgery services. It is a high volume center with numerous awards and certifications from JCAHO for excellent care.
Golisano Children's Hospital
Golisano Children's Hospital is a brand new state of the art children's hospital. With 148 beds, it serves as the only center in Upstate, NY for Congenital Cardiac Surgery.
Our Program Focus
- Residents will receive training of the highest caliber by Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery faculty of Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital that are strongly committed to prepare them for practice, teaching, and research in their future careers.
- All training is designed to promote six broad goals based on the six ACGME core competencies and the ABTS core Milestones and Life-long Learning competencies .
- All residents are continuously evaluated to ensure educational, technical, and professional progress throughout their training paradigm.
- Our program provides our residents with progressive responsibility at all levels, with emphasis placed on academic knowledge and accomplishment as well as expertise in patient care. Graded responsibility under appropriate attending supervision is delegated to residents based on demonstrated capability in order to provide quality patient care in addition to excellent training.
Contact Information
Attn: Ms. Rachel Zapata-Bermudez
Department of Cardiac Surgery
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
601 Elmwood Ave, Box SURG
Rochester, NY 14620
Phone: (585) 275-1510
Email: Rachel_Zapata-Bermudez@urmc.rochester.edu
Program Director: George L. Hicks, M.D.