{"id":111,"date":"2023-08-25T00:34:32","date_gmt":"2023-08-25T00:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/?page_id=111"},"modified":"2025-11-14T23:34:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T23:34:04","slug":"independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Independent Cardiothoracic Residency Program"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--hero-primary horizontal-navigation\"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--hero-primary\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper has-horizontal-nav\">\n\n          <div class=\"title-wrapper\">\n\n                  <div class=\"eyebrow-container\">\n                              \n<div class=\"f--field f--eyebrow\">\n\n    \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/\"  aria-label=\"Read more about Department of Surgery\">Department of Surgery<\/a>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n        \n                      \n<div class=\"f--field f--page-title has-stripe\">\n\n    \n  <h1>Independent Cardiothoracic Residency Program<\/h1>\n\n\n<\/div>\n        \n              <\/div>\n    \n              \n<div class=\"f--field f--link eyebrow-link\">\n\n    \n    \n  \n<a\n  class=\"link \"\n  href=\"https:\/\/www.keckmedicine.org\/services\/surgery\/\"\n  target=\"_blank\"  aria-label=\"Read&#x20;more&#x20;about&#x20;Are&#x20;you&#x20;a&#x20;patient&#x3F;\">\n        Are you a patient?\n    <\/a>\n\n\n<\/div>\n    \n    \n      \n              <div class=\"horizontal-nav\">\n                      <div class=\"horizontal-menu-container\">\n              <button class=\"expand-menu\">\n                                  In This Section\n                                <svg class=\"menu\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\"\n                  y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n                  <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#000\" d=\"M4,23h3v3H4V23z M4,16h3v3H4V16z M10,23\n                  h21v3H10V23z M10,16h21v3H10V16z M10,9h21v3H10V9z M4,9h3v3H4V9z\"\/>\n                <\/svg>\n\n                <svg class=\"close\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n                  viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 35 35\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n                  <polygon fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" points=\"26,10.4 24.6,9 17.5,16.1 10.4,9 9,10.4 16.1,17.5\n                  9,24.6 10.4,26 17.5,18.9 24.6,26 26,24.6 18.9,17.5 \"\/>\n                <\/svg>\n              <\/button>\n\n              <nav\n  class=\"mc--menu mc--\"\n  >\n  <ul class=\"m--menu m--\">\n    \n    \n      <li class=\"has-submenu menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-home menu-item-6 menu-item-has-children\">\n      <div class=\"link-arrow-wrapper\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/\" >Surgery<\/a>\n\n      <button class=\"expand-children has-submenu arrow-toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-label=\"Display Submenu for Surgery\">\n        <svg height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" width=\"35\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path d=\"m17.5 20.2142857 6.2142857-6.2142857 1.2857143 1.2857143-7.5 7.5-7.5-7.5 1.2857143-1.2857143z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper-inner\">\n        <ul class=\"submenu\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-587\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/inclusive-excellence\/\" >Inclusive Excellence<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                  <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n<\/li>\n\n    \n      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-24\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/divisions\/\" >Divisions<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n\n    \n      <li class=\"has-submenu menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-21 menu-item-has-children\">\n      <div class=\"link-arrow-wrapper\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/research\/\" >Research<\/a>\n\n      <button class=\"expand-children has-submenu arrow-toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-label=\"Display Submenu for Research\">\n        <svg height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" width=\"35\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path d=\"m17.5 20.2142857 6.2142857-6.2142857 1.2857143 1.2857143-7.5 7.5-7.5-7.5 1.2857143-1.2857143z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper-inner\">\n        <ul class=\"submenu\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-452\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/innovation-hub\/\" >Innovation Hub<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                  <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n<\/li>\n\n    \n      <li class=\"has-submenu menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-22 menu-item-has-children\">\n      <div class=\"link-arrow-wrapper\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/\" >Training &amp; Education<\/a>\n\n      <button class=\"expand-children has-submenu arrow-toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-label=\"Display Submenu for Training &amp; Education\">\n        <svg height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" width=\"35\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path d=\"m17.5 20.2142857 6.2142857-6.2142857 1.2857143 1.2857143-7.5 7.5-7.5-7.5 1.2857143-1.2857143z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper-inner\">\n        <ul class=\"submenu\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                      <li class=\"has-submenu menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-54 menu-item-has-children\">\n      <div class=\"link-arrow-wrapper\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/\" >Residencies<\/a>\n\n      <button class=\"expand-children has-submenu arrow-toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-label=\"Display Submenu for Residencies\">\n        <svg height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" width=\"35\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path d=\"m17.5 20.2142857 6.2142857-6.2142857 1.2857143 1.2857143-7.5 7.5-7.5-7.5 1.2857143-1.2857143z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper-inner\">\n        <ul class=\"submenu\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-107\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/resident-education\/\" >Resident Education<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-103\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/general-surgery-residency-program\/\" >General Surgery<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-119\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/colon-and-rectal-surgery-residency-program\/\" >Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-118\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\/\" >Independent Cardiothoracic Residency Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-117\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/integrated-cardiothoracic-residency-program\/\" >Integrated Cardiothoracic Residency Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-552\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/independent-vascular-surgery-training-program\/\" >Independent Vascular Surgery Training Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-89\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/integrated-independent-vascular-surgery-training-program\/\" >Integrated Vascular Surgery Training Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-116\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/plastics-independent-residency-program\/\" >Plastics Independent Residency Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-115\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/plastics-integrated-residency-program\/\" >Plastics Integrated Residency Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                  <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\"has-submenu menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-52 menu-item-has-children\">\n      <div class=\"link-arrow-wrapper\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/\" >Fellowships<\/a>\n\n      <button class=\"expand-children has-submenu arrow-toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-label=\"Display Submenu for Fellowships\">\n        <svg height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" width=\"35\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path d=\"m17.5 20.2142857 6.2142857-6.2142857 1.2857143 1.2857143-7.5 7.5-7.5-7.5 1.2857143-1.2857143z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper-inner\">\n        <ul class=\"submenu\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-custom menu-item-object-custom menu-item-73\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.usc.edu\/transplantfellowship\/\" target=\"_blank\">Abdominal Organ Transplant Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-83\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/advanced-gi-mis-fellowship-program\/\" >Advanced GI MIS Fellowship Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-84\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/breast-fellowship-program\/\" >Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-85\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/burn-fellowship-program\/\" >Burn Fellowship Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-86\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/congenital-cardiac-fellowship-program\/\" >Congenital Cardiac Fellowship Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-87\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/craniofacial-fellowship-program\/\" >Craniofacial Fellowship Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-88\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/hepato-pancreato-biliary-fellowship\/\" >Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Fellowship<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-90\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/microsurgery-fellowship-program\/\" >Reconstructive Microsurgery Fellowship<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-91\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/fellowships\/surgical-critical-care-and-aast-fellowship\/\" >Surgical Critical Care and AAST Fellowship<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                  <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\"has-submenu menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-245 menu-item-has-children\">\n      <div class=\"link-arrow-wrapper\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/general-surgery-residency-program\/\" >General Surgery Residency Program<\/a>\n\n      <button class=\"expand-children has-submenu arrow-toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-haspopup=\"true\" aria-label=\"Display Submenu for General Surgery Residency Program\">\n        <svg height=\"35\" viewBox=\"0 0 35 35\" width=\"35\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n          <path d=\"m17.5 20.2142857 6.2142857-6.2142857 1.2857143 1.2857143-7.5 7.5-7.5-7.5 1.2857143-1.2857143z\" fill=\"#000\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"\/>\n        <\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper\">\n      <div class=\"submenus-wrapper-inner\">\n        <ul class=\"submenu\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-273\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/general-surgery-residency-program\/sub-internship-scholarship-award\/\" >Sub-Internship Scholarship Award<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-545\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/general-surgery-residency-program\/culture-and-engagement\/\" >Culture and Engagement<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                  <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-53\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/medical-students\/\" >Medical Student Education<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-55\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/surgical-skills-simulation\/\" >Surgical Skills Simulation<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-61\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/physician-scientist-training-program\/\" >Physician-Scientist Training Program<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-60\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/professional-development\/\" >Professional Development<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n                  <\/ul>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  \n<\/li>\n\n    \n      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-23\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/patient-care\/\" >Patient Care<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n\n    \n      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-32\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/faculty\/\" >Faculty<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n\n    \n      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-25\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/support\/\" >Support<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n\n    \n      <li class=\" menu-item menu-item-type-post_type menu-item-object-page menu-item-26\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/contact\/\" >Contact<\/a>\n  \n  \n<\/li>\n\n    \n      <\/ul><!-- m--menu -->\n<\/nav>\n\n            <\/div>\n                  <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--spacer \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--spacer\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n    \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--video-with-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--video-with-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  \n      <div class=\"videos-container\">\n                    <div class=\"video-container reverse \">\n\n                      <div class=\"text-container\">\n\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--cta-title\">\n\n    \n  <h3>\n          Train with Purpose. Lead with Impact.\n      <\/h3>\n\n\n<\/div>\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description description-medium\">\n\n    \n  <p>Residency and fellowship programs at the Keck School of Medicine of USC offer rigorous clinical training, access to groundbreaking research, and mentorship from nationally recognized faculty\u2014all in one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in the world. Discover how our graduates become compassionate, forward-thinking leaders in every field of medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n                      <div class=\"image-container\">\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/Residency-Thumbnail.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/07\/Residency-Thumbnail.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1200px) 75vw, (min-width:768px) 83vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n        alt=\"Overview Thumbnail\"\n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n\n                              <a onclick=\"event.preventDefault()\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=V3vxjJ5ubP8\" data-lity aria-label=\"Train with Purpose. Lead with Impact., Play video in lightbox\" class=\"play-video\">\n                  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n\t viewBox=\"0 0 50 50\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 50 50\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n<rect fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#990000\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"\/>\n<polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FFFFFF\" points=\"32,25 22,32 22,18 \"\/>\n<\/svg>\n                <\/a>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n        <\/div>\n\n      \n    \n    <\/div>\n\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n            \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--video-with-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--video-with-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n      <div class=\"header-container    \">\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--section-title has-stripe\">\n\n    \n  <h2>\n          Program Description\n      <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n      \n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description description-large\">\n\n    \n  <p>The division of cardiothoracic surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC is committed to offering its residents excellence in all aspects of cardiothoracic training. The program is designed to address the basic fund of knowledge in our field, establish excellent technical skills and develop the finest cardiothoracic surgeons in the country. Under the leadership of Vaughn Starnes, MD, chair of the Department of Surgery, the division of cardiothoracic surgery has remained at the forefront of new technology. This enables our trainees to offer cutting-edge techniques to potential practice opportunities upon graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  \n      <div class=\"videos-container\">\n                    <div class=\"video-container\">\n\n                      <div class=\"text-container\">\n\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--cta-title\">\n\n    \n  <h3>\n          Program Overview\n      <\/h3>\n\n\n<\/div>\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description description-medium\">\n\n    \n  <p>Interested in the Independent Thoracic Surgery Residency at USC\/LA General Medical Center? Hear from our Independent Thoracic Surgery Residency program director about what makes our program unique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n                      <div class=\"image-container\">\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/04\/Craig-J.-Baker-MD-FACS-768x432.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/04\/Craig-J.-Baker-MD-FACS-768x432.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1200px) 75vw, (min-width:768px) 83vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n        alt=\"Photo of Craig\u00a0J.\u00a0Baker, MD,\"\n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n\n                              <a onclick=\"event.preventDefault()\" href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/IxOd_j3MQn0\" data-lity aria-label=\"Program Overview, Play video in lightbox\" class=\"play-video\">\n                  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n\t viewBox=\"0 0 50 50\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 50 50\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n<rect fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#990000\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"\/>\n<polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FFFFFF\" points=\"32,25 22,32 22,18 \"\/>\n<\/svg>\n                <\/a>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n        <\/div>\n\n      \n                  <div class=\"video-container reverse \">\n\n                      <div class=\"text-container\">\n\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--cta-title\">\n\n    \n  <h3>\n          Cardiothoracic Residency Virtual Tour\n      <\/h3>\n\n\n<\/div>\n              \n                          <\/div>\n          \n                      <div class=\"image-container\">\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/09\/Cardiothoracic-Residency-768x432.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/09\/Cardiothoracic-Residency-768x432.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1200px) 75vw, (min-width:768px) 83vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n        alt=\"Cardiothoracic Residency on-call quarters shows a desk with a computer and two bunk beds\"\n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n\n                              <a onclick=\"event.preventDefault()\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cbsqFNalTrI\" data-lity aria-label=\"Cardiothoracic Residency Virtual Tour, Play video in lightbox\" class=\"play-video\">\n                  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n\t viewBox=\"0 0 50 50\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 50 50\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n<rect fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#990000\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"\/>\n<polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FFFFFF\" points=\"32,25 22,32 22,18 \"\/>\n<\/svg>\n                <\/a>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n        <\/div>\n\n      \n                  <div class=\"video-container\">\n\n                      <div class=\"text-container\">\n\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--cta-title\">\n\n    \n  <h3>\n          Vaughn A. Starnes, MD gives the AATS Presidential Address\n      <\/h3>\n\n\n<\/div>\n              \n                                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--description description-medium\">\n\n    \n  <p>Dr. Starnes served as the 100th President of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. In his speech at the annual meeting, he addressed the need for a changing paradigm for cardiothoracic education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n                      <div class=\"image-container\">\n                  \n<div class=\"f--field f--image\">\n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n              \n      <img\n                            data-src=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/07\/Starnes-Arms-crossed-White-coat-smaller-768x432.jpg\"\n          data-srcset=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/07\/Starnes-Arms-crossed-White-coat-smaller-1920x1080.jpg 1920w,https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/07\/Starnes-Arms-crossed-White-coat-smaller-1280x720.jpg 1280w,https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2024\/07\/Starnes-Arms-crossed-White-coat-smaller-768x432.jpg 768w\"          data-sizes=\"(min-width:1200px) 75vw, (min-width:768px) 83vw, 100vw\"          class=\"lazyload\"\n        \n        alt=\"Dr. Vaughn Starnes stands with arms crossed in an operating room\"\n        \n                                      \/>\n\n    \n    \n  \n  \n\n<\/div>\n\n                              <a onclick=\"event.preventDefault()\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=3cYZz6f7o-Q\" data-lity aria-label=\"Vaughn A. Starnes, MD gives the AATS Presidential Address, Play video in lightbox\" class=\"play-video\">\n                  <svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\"\n\t viewBox=\"0 0 50 50\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 50 50\" xml:space=\"preserve\">\n<rect fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#990000\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\"\/>\n<polygon fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" fill=\"#FFFFFF\" points=\"32,25 22,32 22,18 \"\/>\n<\/svg>\n                <\/a>\n                          <\/div>\n          \n        <\/div>\n\n      \n    \n    <\/div>\n\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text white\"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <h2>Background<\/h2>\n<p>The Cardiothoracic Surgery Training Program has enjoyed a long tradition in leadership, beginning in 1948 under the tutelage of founder John Jones, MD, a pioneer in thoracic surgery. Dr. Jones administered the program throughout his long and prestigious career at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan and Children\u2019s Hospital Los Angeles. Accreditation was granted by the ACGME in 1965. In 2017, Dr. Craig Baker accepted the role of Chief of Cardiac Surgery<\/p>\n<p>The transition of the primary program site from the Hospital of the Good Samaritan to the Los Angeles General Medical Center began in 1990. This was driven by several events that impacted the academic environment. The appointment of Tom DeMeester, MD, as professor and chairman, Department of Surgery at USC; the opening of the new Keck Hospital of USC in 1991; and in 1992, the appointment of Vaughn A. Starnes, MD, as the co-chairman, Department of Surgery, and chief, cardiothoracic surgery, led to a logical transition of the program to the University. Dr. Starnes assumed the role of the director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Training Program upon his arrival at USC, and resident activity was concentrated at Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck Hospital of USC\/Norris Cancer Center and Children\u2019s Hospital Los Angeles. Over the following decade, the Cardiothoracic training program at USC evolved into one of the premier training sites in the United States, producing highly qualified and talented cardiothoracic surgeons. In 2004, Dr. Winfield Wells was appointed program director after numerous years serving as a tireless resident advocate. He ushered in a new era of training, ensuring academic excellence in a changing environment. As a reflection of continued growth and advancement, in 2006, Dr. Starnes was appointed executive director of the newly formed Cardiovascular Institute (CVI). This independent model breaks down traditional barriers in patient care and allows collaboration between cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, pulmonologists and basic scientists working as one, without the domains of departments or specialties. In addition to permitting delivery of preeminent patient care in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular and thoracic diseases, the CVI allows training of a new breed of surgeon cross-trained in different disciplines.<\/p>\n<p>In 2006, Dr. Starnes was appointed chair of the Department of Surgery. Craig J. Baker, MD, was appointed as the vice chair of surgical education at that time and assumed the role of program director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Training Program in 2010. Dr. Baker has achieved national recognition for his involvement in cardiothoracic education. He developed a comprehensive educational curriculum, including a highly structured simulation training program. In 2017, Dr. Baker was appointed the Chief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n                  \n  \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--accordions \"\n\n  \n   aria-label=\"Content Accordions\"\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--accordions\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  \n      <ul>\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-1-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-1-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> Curriculum<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-1-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-1-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>The independent thoracic surgery fellowship program offers a robust educational curriculum designed to complement our strong clinical programs. Rotations are designed to offer wide exposure to high-volume academic, community-based, and safety-net models of practice. Fellows in their final years are expected to operate as primary surgeon in nearly all cases across the breadth of cardiac and thoracic surgery, including minimally invasive cardiac surgery, heart and lung transplant, mechanical circulatory support, adult congenital surgery, robotic thoracic surgery, and complex open and endovascular aortic procedures. Those interested in congenital cardiac surgery may pursue elective time at the world-renowned Heart Institute at the Children\u2019s Hospital of Los Angeles. Weekly resident and fellow-led didactic sessions maintain a strong focus on board exam preparation and compliment the broad clinical curriculum.<\/p>\n<p>Residents in thoracic surgery will have access to our state-of-the art simulation center, including unrestricted access to our renowned fresh tissue dissection lab. <a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/surgical-skills-simulation\/\">Click for more information about the Surgical Skills Simulation and Education Center, please<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-2-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-2-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> Faculty<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-2-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-2-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 24px\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px\">\n<td style=\"width: 49.8035%;height: 24px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/vaughn-alden-starnes\/\">Vaughn A. Starnes, MD<\/a>,<br \/>\nChair of the Department of Surgery<a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/craig-j-baker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Craig J. Baker, MD<\/a>,<br \/>\nChief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/anthony-w-kim\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Anthony W. Kim, MD, MS<\/a>,<br \/>\nChief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50.1965%;height: 24px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/scott-atay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Scott Atay, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/mark-lee-barr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mark L. Barr, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/jonathan-cash\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jonathan C. Cash, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/john-chen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">John C. Chen, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/john-cleveland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">John D. Cleveland, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/fernando-fleischman\/\">Fernando Fleischman, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/takashi-harano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Takashi Harano, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/cynthia-s-herrington\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cynthia S. Herrington, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/ming-lu-huang\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ming-Lu Huang, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/serge-kobsa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Serge Kobsa, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/raymond-c-lee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Raymond C. Lee, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/demetrios-n-mallios\/\">Demetrios N. Mallios, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/sanjeet-patel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sanjeet Patel, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/matthew-powers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matthew E. Powers, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/jonathan-praeger\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jonathan Aaron Praeger, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/graeme-m-rosenberg\/\">Graeme M. Rosenberg, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/brooks-van-udelsman\/\">Brooks V. Udelsman, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/providers.keckmedicine.org\/provider\/Winfield+John+Wells\/205125\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Winfield J. Wells, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/luke-wiggins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luke Wiggins, MD<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/faculty-search\/sean-conor-wightman\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sean C. Wightman, MD<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-3-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-3-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> Cardiothoracic Residents<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-3-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-3-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><a href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2025\/10\/2025-2026-USC-CT-Integrated-Independent-Photo-Roster.pdf\">2025-2026 USC CT Integrated and Independent Resident Photo Roster<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-4-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-4-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> Hospital Rotation Facilities<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-4-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-4-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <h3>Los Angeles General Medical Center<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-9 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Los-Angeles-General-Medical-Center-900x556-1-768x432-1.jpg\" alt=\"LA General\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Los-Angeles-General-Medical-Center-900x556-1-768x432-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Los-Angeles-General-Medical-Center-900x556-1-768x432-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Los-Angeles-General-Medical-Center-900x556-1-768x432-1-320x180.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The newly designed Los Angeles General Medical Center opened its doors in 2008 and sits adjacent to the historic General Hospital building in an area just northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The facility encompasses 1.5 million square feet, with 600 inpatient beds and 132 Emergency Department beds. Over half of the resident rotations will be at Los Angeles General Medical Center. A few unique features of this hospital are listed below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Serves as one of the busiest level 1 trauma centers in the nation and treats over 28% of trauma victims in the region; also serves as the US Navy\u2019s Trauma training center<\/li>\n<li>One of only three burn centers in the county, and one of the few Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Southern California<\/li>\n<li>Employs approximately 1,500 attending physicians, 1,000 interns and residents,\u00a03,000 nurses at all levels, and trains several hundreds of students in various healthcare professions<\/li>\n<li>Prides itself on serving any patient that comes through its doors regardless of socioeconomic or insurance status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Keck Hospital of USC<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-10 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/md-program-Keck-Hospital-of-USC-900x600-1-768x432-1.jpg\" alt=\"Keck Medicine of USC\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/md-program-Keck-Hospital-of-USC-900x600-1-768x432-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/md-program-Keck-Hospital-of-USC-900x600-1-768x432-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/md-program-Keck-Hospital-of-USC-900x600-1-768x432-1-320x180.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Keck Hospital is a 401-bed university-affiliated teaching hospital within walking distance of County and employs over 700 faculty physicians. On average, the hospital performs over 18,000 outpatient and inpatient surgeries annually. As a tertiary\/quaternary referral center, Keck provides care for the most acute and complex medical and surgical issues. A significant number of resident rotations take place at Keck.<\/p>\n<h3>Children\u2019s Hospital Los Angeles<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-11 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Childrens-Hospital-Los-Angeles-CHLA-768x432-1.jpg\" alt=\"CHLA\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Childrens-Hospital-Los-Angeles-CHLA-768x432-1.jpg 768w, https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Childrens-Hospital-Los-Angeles-CHLA-768x432-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/Childrens-Hospital-Los-Angeles-CHLA-768x432-1-320x180.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>CHLA is one of the busiest children&#8217;s hospitals in the nation with over 17,000 surgeries performed annually. Residents spend time rotating on the pediatric surgery service here. Those interested in pursuing pediatric surgery fellowship can easily find mentorship and research opportunities within the department.<\/p>\n<h3>USC Arcadia<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-99 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/ArcadiaHospital.jpg\" alt=\"USC Arcadia\" width=\"454\" height=\"252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/ArcadiaHospital.jpg 454w, https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/45\/2023\/08\/ArcadiaHospital-300x167.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-5-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-5-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> Rotation Schedule<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-5-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-5-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>PGY 6-8<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>CardioThoracic rotations (12 Months)<br \/>\nCardiac Keck Hospital<br \/>\nThoracic Keck Hospital<br \/>\nVAD \/ Transplant Keck Hospital<br \/>\nCardiac Los Angeles General Medical Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-6-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-6-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> How to Apply<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-6-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-6-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <h3>Applications<\/h3>\n<p>The Independent Cardiothoracic Training Program at USC is currently accepting applications for two residents per year and accepts application through the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.aamc.org\/myeras-web\/#\/landing\">Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)<\/a>. You must also register with the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nrmp.org\/\">National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Our requirements for application include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Common application form<\/li>\n<li>Personal statement<\/li>\n<li>Medical school transcripts<\/li>\n<li>MSPE\/dean\u2019s letter<\/li>\n<li>Letters of recommendation (minimum of three)<\/li>\n<li>Photograph<\/li>\n<li>USMLE transcripts<\/li>\n<li>ABSITE transcripts<\/li>\n<li>ECFMG status report \u2013 foreign graduates only<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-7-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-7-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> Interview Dates<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-7-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-7-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Interview Dates TBD <\/strong><em>(Interviews will be held virtually)<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Please check back.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"gtx-trans\" style=\"position: absolute;left: 295px;top: 38px\">\n<div class=\"gtx-trans-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-8-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-8-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> Contact Information<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-8-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-8-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>Celeste Mendoza<\/strong><br \/>\nProgram Coordinator<br \/>\nEmail: <a href=\"mailto:celestem@med.usc.edu\">celestem@med.usc.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Craig J. Baker, MD<\/strong><br \/>\nProgram Director<br \/>\nChief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery<br \/>\nEmail:\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:craig.baker@med.usc.edu\">craig.baker@med.usc.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"gtx-trans\" style=\"position: absolute;left: 209px;top: -9px\">\n<div class=\"gtx-trans-icon\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n              <li>\n          <button type=\"button\" class=\"accordion-trigger \" id=\"heading-1-9-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-controls=\"section-1-9-I5B5D-Tr82\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-disabled=\"false\">\n                          <span class=\"item-title\"> Additional Resources<\/span>\n            \n                      <\/button>\n\n          <div id=\"section-1-9-I5B5D-Tr82\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"heading-1-9-I5B5D-Tr82\" class=\"accordion-panel\">\n\n                            \n    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div\n  class=\"cc--component-container cc--rich-text \"\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  >\n  <div class=\"c--component c--rich-text\"\n    \n      >\n\n    \n  <div class=\"inner-wrapper\">\n        \n<div class=\"f--field f--wysiwyg\">\n\n    \n  <p><strong>The Division of Cardiac Surgery:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/surgery.keckmedicine.org\/treatments-services\/usc-cardiac-surgery\/\">https:\/\/surgery.keckmedicine.org\/treatments-services\/usc-cardiac-surgery\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The Division of Thoracic Surgery:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/surgery.keckmedicine.org\/treatments-services\/usc-thoracic-surgery\/\">https:\/\/surgery.keckmedicine.org\/treatments-services\/usc-thoracic-surgery\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>The Aortic Center:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aortic.keckmedicine.org\/\">https:\/\/aortic.keckmedicine.org\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Faculty in the News: (Chronologic)<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dr. Vaughn A. Starnes, immediate past president of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, gives the keynote speech for 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/urldefense.proofpoint.com\/v2\/url?u=https-3A__www.dropbox.com_sh_5uvupaav1b6uyqj_AADMkETI3gj3yAtYTlCsIDwGa-3Fdl-3D0&amp;d=DwMFAg&amp;c=iLFkktpbVJiqSz07OUNw8-PWtGGtHBTxbUB7zsE1fFk&amp;r=I8y7W882bmoNqLHK5loM-UnovtEX3R0vQGQydMYB9b0&amp;m=Mxf5RWIgPB3hCyQwIyqe9zKyIm5O9gBAg365VZFll6w&amp;s=uTnaNRIMuGI6WbGDIx8u5YKEKDVrO_HeDBKBVXSJwjU&amp;e=\">https:\/\/www.dropbox.com\/sh\/5uvupaav1b6uyqj\/AADMkETI3gj3yAtYTlCsIDwGa?dl=0<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Dr. Vaughn A. Starnes, Chairman of the Department of Surgery, offers important insights for surgical residents and fellows in this Interview with the Surgeon talk with Matthew Vuckovich. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HHLnqieGw8k&amp;t=37s\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=HHLnqieGw8k&amp;t=37s<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Dr. Vaughn A. Starnes, Chairman of the Department of Surgery, and Dr. Craig J. Baker, Chief of the Division of Cardiac Surgery, discuss telehealth and how it will enhance surgical care with heart valve surgery expert Adam Pick. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9UIkkaN7y1I&amp;t\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9UIkkaN7y1I&amp;t<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Social Media<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Instagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/usccardiacsurgery\/\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/usccardiacsurgery\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/usccardiacsurgery\/\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/usccardiacsurgery\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Craig Baker appointed Chief of Cardiac Surgery<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/hscnews.usc.edu\/craig-baker-appointed-chief-of-cardiac-surgery\">https:\/\/hscnews.usc.edu\/craig-baker-appointed-chief-of-cardiac-surgery<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n            \n                      <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n\n          <\/ul>\n  \n\n  <\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":48,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-111","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Independent Cardiothoracic Residency Program - Department of Surgery<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Independent Cardiothoracic Residency Program\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/keck.usc.edu\/surgery\/training-education\/residencies\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Department of Surgery\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-11-14T23:34:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/keck.usc.edu\\\/surgery\\\/training-education\\\/residencies\\\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/keck.usc.edu\\\/surgery\\\/training-education\\\/residencies\\\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\\\/\",\"name\":\"Independent Cardiothoracic Residency Program - Department of Surgery\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/keck.usc.edu\\\/surgery\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-25T00:34:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-11-14T23:34:04+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/keck.usc.edu\\\/surgery\\\/training-education\\\/residencies\\\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/keck.usc.edu\\\/surgery\\\/training-education\\\/residencies\\\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/keck.usc.edu\\\/surgery\\\/training-education\\\/residencies\\\/independent-cardiothoracic-residency-program\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/keck.usc.edu\\\/surgery\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Training &amp; 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