Goals:
1. To understand the preoperative evaluation and postoperative care of cardiac and thoracic surgery patients.
2. To demonstrate knowledge of the most common operations and their risks for adult cardiac and general thoracic surgical conditions.
3. To understand cardiovascular and pulmonary pathophysiology.
Objectives:
1. Assist in the diagnosis and preoperative evaluation of patients with cardiac and thoracic diseases.
a. benign and malignant lung disease
b. esophageal malignancy
c. benign esophageal disorders
d. benign and malignant pleural disease
e. coronary artery disease and its complications
f. valvular heart disease
2. Assess the pulmonary and cardiac systems using history and physical examination.
3. Interpret CXR’s in pre-operative and post-operative thoracic and cardiac surgery patients.
4. Assist in cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures. Perform parts of a standard thoracotomy.
5. Understand the indications and contraindications of chest tube insertion.
6. Perform chest tube placement in uncomplicated situations.
7. Assist in the post-operative care of cardiac and thoracic surgical patients.
8. Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with patients and their families across all socioeconomic and cultural background.
Responsibilities:
1. Attend and participate in daily rounds.
2. Attend at least ½ day of clinic per week.
3. Participate in the preoperative evaluation and care of cardiac and thoracic surgery patients.
4. Participate in the postoperative care of cardiac and thoracic surgery patients.
5. Assist in operative procedures for a variety of cardiac and thoracic surgeries.
6. Attend cardiothoracic conferences and tumor boards.
7. Read pertinent literature and textbook material.