Cardiac Surgery Rotation

General surgery trainees at the VA Hospital have extensive exposure to cardiac surgery care through rotation at the first year level. The goals and objectives of the experience are to provide:

• a thorough understanding of the nature of common problems encountered in the discipline;
• an appreciation of the indications and contraindications for common cardiothoracic procedures; and
• experience with bedside management of patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery

Trainees are involved in prospective management and are expected to participate in operative procedures at the assistant level. Residents have "first call" responsibility at the bedside postoperatively and see patients in follow-up clinic.