From August 22 - 25, 2024, 60 first-year cardiothoracic surgery residents took part in the STS Boot Camp in Chicago. Throughout the four-day program, leading CT surgeons from across the nation provided hands-on instruction as participants gained practical experience by simulating real-world cases and emergency scenarios.
This year's Boot Camp covered training in cardiopulmonary bypass skills, vessel anastomosis, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies, open pulmonary lobectomy, TAVR, and wire skills. Residents also received instruction in mitral valve and aortic valve surgery, giving and receiving feedback in the operating room, and the importance of performing ablation.
“Over the next few days, you will receive expert instruction on how to manage real-world cases and emergency scenarios from CT surgeon leaders from around the country,” said STS President Jennifer Romano, MD, MS. “Our exceptional faculty, under the leadership of Dr. Jon Nesbitt and our subspecialty leads, developed an outstanding program with hands-on training in fundamental cardiothoracic surgical skills. Thank you for choosing to be part of our community.”
Here's what a few attendees said about the program:
- “It was great to have time with other fellows and to build camaraderie. The hands-on simulation sessions were excellent. The coronary vessel anastomosis session and the CPB/echo room were outstanding.”
- “The best parts of the Boot Camp were learning the basics of CT surgery, the vast topics covered (transthoracic echocardiogram, lobectomy, etc.) and getting to meet co-trainees from all across the country.”
- “I will keep practicing my vascular anastomosis skills at home and keep in touch with the perfusionists at my institution to keep practicing my bypass skills.”
- “The best part of @STS_CTsurgery Boot Camp was the people. Had so much fun having a weekend with my colleagues, reuniting with former fellows, and spending time with faculty who volunteer a weekend of their busy life to teach. Future is bright!” – X, @katiewagnerMD
- “What an awesome day learning from @YihanLinMD, @SteveYangMD, @tygrenda, and so many others. Thanks to all the faculty, @STS_CTsurgery, @UCSFCTSurgery, @JennaRomanoMD, and so many others for the opportunity!!” – X, @BrianTillMD
- “Inspired time at #STSBootCamp! Grateful to the amazing faculty @STS_CTsurgery.” – X, @Gbale_Cruise
Best part of @STS_CTsurgery bootcamp was the people. Had so much fun having a weekend w my colleagues, reuniting with former fellows, and spending time with faculty who volunteer a weekend of their busy life to teach. Future is bright! @BrianTillMD @CDemarest_MDPhD @JennaRomanoMD pic.twitter.com/f2i2u1rw2S
— Katie Wagner, MD MSc (@katiewagnerMD) August 25, 2024
Check out additional photos in the STS Boot Camp photo gallery!