Education

The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), was established in 1999 by Dr. Hazim J. Safi. Our mission is to demonstrate excellence in advanced surgical care, in the conduct of research, and in education for practitioners and scientists at every stage of their careers.

Undergraduate and Medical Students

McGovern Medical School students are offered an opportunity to rotate on the cardiothoracic and vascular surgery service line at the Memorial Hermann Heart and Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center as part of the core surgery rotation curriculum. Additional clinical and research elective rotations are available on a selective basis. In addition, summer research internships are available for interested premedical and medical students. Some electives are sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Vascular Surgery Residency Program

The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery offers two ACGME approved residency programs in vascular surgery. There is a traditional (5+2) pathway for candidates who have completed an ACGME approved  general surgery residency.  There is also an integrated (0+5) pathway for students graduating from medical school.   The training programs offer exposure to the full spectrum of open and endovascular procedures.  Interviews are conducted starting in October of each year.  Applicants are selected through the National Residency Matching Program. Currently, one position is offered in each of the two program pathways, per year.

Advanced Aortic Surgery Fellowship

The Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery offers a sponsored fellowship in advanced aortic surgery. Trainees spend one to two years learning about complex open and endovascular aortic procedures. Applicants are considered on an individual basis.