Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
Christian Probst at TSDA Boot Camp 2017
The University of Rochester Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Program is a fully accredited two-year training program dedicated to developing capable and autonomous thoracic surgeons who will become leaders in our field.
This program has been in existence for over 50 years with a long history of producing both academic and private practice cardiothoracic surgeons. In addition to the 5+2 fellowship program, we also have the ability to select superstars from the general surgery training program here at the University of Rochester for the 4+3 track to accelerate their entry into the fellowship program.
The program is based entirely at the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Hospital with rotations in Adult Cardiac, Pediatric Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery including an extensive experience in the cardiovascular catheterization lab.
Research
Fellow research is a key component of our training, including presenting and publishing
Program Strengths
Program Strengths
- Robust clinical volumes in all aspects of cardiothoracic surgery
- Rich clinical programs in valvular heart disease, heart failure and mechanical circulatory support, congenital heart disease, thoracic surgical oncology and benign esophageal disease
- Faculty focused on cutting edge and minimally invasive approaches to cardiac and thoracic disease
- Progressive responsibility at all levels, with emphasis placed on academic knowledge and technical advancement for the development of expertise in patient care
Our Fellowship by the Numbers: 2025 Case Volumes
557
Valves (Transcatheter + Surgical)
287
CABG
306
Minimally Invasive Lung Resections
672
2025 Fellowship Grad Major CT Cases
Program Mission and Aims
Program Mission and Aims
Our Fellow, Christian Probst Presented with
Chief Resident Teaching Award 2017 – 2018
Our mission is to educate and develop confidant, capable and autonomous Cardiothoracic surgeons, and advance the practice of Cardiothoracic surgery to improve the well-being of our patients and our community by:
- Teaching state of the art, compassionate, patient centered care through education science and technology to future Cardiothoracic surgeons.
- Performing innovative clinical and basic science research
- Providing high quality, safe and value based care
Our program aims:
- Provide a robust clinical experience with graduated responsibility
- Provide a comprehensive educational program incorporating a didadctic curriculum enhanced by a rich simulation program
- Foster a supportive environment in which all faculty, trainees and staff have a sense of belonging and inclusion that promotes performance and well-being.
- Promote a safety first team culture
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 886-bed, University-owned teaching hospital—which boasts programs that consistently rank among "America's Best Hospitals," according to U.S. News & World Report.
Golisano Children's Hospital
Golisano Children’s Hospital, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center, is the Finger Lakes region’s only children’s hospital, providing comprehensive, family-centered care to infants, children, and adolescents. Consistently recognized among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report, the hospital earned national rankings in four pediatric specialties—neonatology, neurology and neurosurgery, pediatric cancer, and pediatric and adolescent behavioral health—in the 2025–26 report. With a dedicated pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit and a full range of specialty services, Golisano Children’s Hospital delivers advanced, compassionate care close to home while serving as a hub for innovative research and education that improves children’s health nationwide.