The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Kentucky has operated a fellowship training program for over 40 years and, we are now pleased to offer the Integrated 6 Year Training Program to those who are motivated to pursue a career in the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery. The Division of CT Surgery at UK has been an accredited training program for over 40 years where it has followed the two- year fellowship training track. ACGME accredited in 2012, the I-6 Program offers students the opportunity to enter CT Surgery Training immediately upon completion from medical school. This particular educational program will teach the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery in a comprehensive manner throughout the residency instead of beginning after 5 years of general surgery training.
Over the past 15 years the scope and breadth of cardiothoracic surgery has expanded enormously. Having 6 years in a comprehensive curriculum allows the time necessary to teach many of the skill sets presently being neglected such as catheter based skills, cardiac electrophysiology, thoracic oncology, interventional bronchoscopy, and vascular surgery only to name a few.
The Integrated 6 Year Training Program allows the medical graduate to complete their training in cardiothoracic surgery in 6 years, rather than the traditional 7 or 8. The program at the University of Kentucky is divided into two introductory years and then culminates with an in-depth hands-on operative experience in adult cardiac and thoracic surgery and transplantation. The program has been specifically designed to offer the resident in depth exposure to cardiac and thoracic care, as well as to those fields which are relevant to cardiothoracic surgery. During the first two years of training, time has been allotted so that the resident experiences rotations such as Endoscopy, Trauma, Cardiology, and Cardiac Imagining.
The faculty at the University of Kentucky are committed to the education and training of medical students, residents, and fellows. Combined, the faculty of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery have over 100 years of clinical experience and are highly respected by their professional peers. Many faculty within the Division of CT Surgery have served as an invited guest lecturers to a variety of national and international conferences and symposiums. As a thought leader in the field of Transplant and End Organ Failure, Dr. Charles Hoopes leads one of the largest Cystic Fibrosis Transplant Centers in the country. Dr. Hoopes also serves as the Director of the Adult EMCO Program and has transformed UK’s program into one of the largest in the region. Under the direction of Dr. Hoopes, UK’s MCS and Transplant Program have become a referral center for the most acutely ill.
To further the advancement of Cardiovascular Research, the Division of CT Surgery at UK has developed a strong partnership with the Markey Cancer Center, the state’s only NCI Designated Cancer Center, in the field of Thoracic Oncology. Partnerships with UK’s Gill Heart Institute and the Saha Cardiovascular Research Foundation have also paved the way for research expansion within the division.
The variety of clinical dynamics within the Division of CT Surgery, allows all residents and students to explore numerous opportunities within the field. Following his training at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Jeremiah Martin went on to complete a Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Fellowship at Duke Medical Center. Since his return to the University of Kentucky, Dr. Martin has exponentially expanded the Thoracic Oncology Practice and has excelled in Robotic Thoracic Surgery. Dr. Mike Sekela, who also trained at the University of Kentucky, has become an expert in the field of Robotic Cardiac Surgery. Since Dr. Sekela recruitment in 2013, the cardiac volume at UK has greatly expanded.(AORTIC RE-DO). In partnership with Dr. Sekela and Dr. John Gurley, Dr. Hassan Reda has fostered UK TAVR practice which has grown to be the largest in the state of Kentucky.
Residents, who have completed their training through the Division of CT Surgery at UK, have had high success rates on all board certifications. They have gained extensive experience in Endovascular skills and have excelled in all clinical areas. Those who have completed the program have gone on to succeed in the field of private practice and academic medicine.
To apply to the Integrated 6 Year Training Program at the University of Kentucky, we ask that all applicants utilize the ERAS Database. All applicants must be a graduate from an LCME (Liaison Committee on Medical Education) or an ECGMG accredited medical institution.
If you would like more information regarding the I-6 Program at UK, please contact Hannah Pagan, Residency Program Coordinator, or Dr. Timothy Mullett, Residency Program Director.
Start date: July 1
End date: June 30
Direct Inquiries to:
Timothy W. Mullett, MD
Professor of Surgery
Director, Residency Education Programs
University of Kentucky
740 South Limestone Street, Suite A-301
Lexington, KY 40536
Phone: (859) 323-6494
E-mail: timothy.mullett@uky.edu
or
Hannah M. Pagan
Thoracic Program Coordinator
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery
University of Kentucky
740 South Limestone Street, Suite A301
Lexington, KY 40356
Phone: (859) 323-6519
E-mail: hannah.pagan@uky.edu
