Northwest Campus

Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

Trinity Hospital (TH)

SURG 9401

Participating Faculty:
Martin L. Rothberg, M.D.

Offered: All periods
Positions: One per preceptor

Objectives of the Elective:

  1. To give the student a clear perspective of the therapeutic potential of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery so that he may develop appropriate judgement in the evaluation of patients for cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery.
  2. To teach the student fundamental principles which can be applied in the treatment of all cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders.
  3. To familiarize the student with the uses, techniques and complications of hemodynamic monitoring.
  4. To teach and review the pharmacology of cardiac and pulmonary drugs.
  5. To familiarize the student with fundamental surgical techniques.
  6. Gain expertise in performing common procedures such as chest tube insertion and central line insertion.

Instructional Activities:

  1. The student will perform history and physical examinations and assist with consultations on the service.
  2. All assigned cases will be reviewed with the student by the preceptor. Therapeutic alternatives will be discussed and evaluated.
  3. The student will scrub and assist on cases.
  4. The student will participate actively in the preop and postoperative care of the patients in the intensive care units and on the floor.
  5. The student will be assigned a reading list the contents of which will be discussed at regular intervals with the preceptor.

Standards of Performance (Outcomes) Indicating Attainment of Objectives:

  1. The student will be evaluated daily in one to one sessions to evaluate his/her understanding of physiological principles as they apply to the patients on the service.
  2. A written evaluation of the student's performance will be presented to the assistant dean of the northwest campus and discussed with the student.

Criteria for Grading:

  1. Patient management.
  2. Basic science knowledge.
  3. Clinical ability.