Students will be introduced to Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Atlanta Medical Center and the role the service plays in a tertiary care center.

Students will participate as a member of the surgery team, assigned to specific surgical attendings. Daily activities revolve around the operative suite where the student will be able to observe and participate (scrub) in cardiac and thoracic surgery, acting as surgical assistant. The remainder of the daily responsibilities will include an opportunity to participate in preoperative consultations, initial history and physician examinations, and daily rounds of patients in the critical and intensive care units, step-down telemetry units and floor.

Special attention will be devoted to principles of surgery as it pertains to diseases of the heart and great vessels as well as diseases of the chest and lungs. To supplement these experiences, surgical rounds and lectures will be conducted. Library time also will be provided for reading and study during free time for academic pursuit. Selected readings will be recommended as indicated with presentations of appropriate cases. Participation in daily residency conferences is expected.