Independent Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency Program

The Independent Cardiothoracic Residency Program at Keck School of Medicine of USC is a three-year advanced residency program for postgraduate year 6 through postgraduate year 8. The program provides comprehensive training in cardiac and thoracic surgery, with clinical exposure to minimally invasive cardiac surgery, heart and lung transplantation, mechanical circulatory support, adult congenital surgery, robotic thoracic surgery, and complex open and endovascular aortic procedures. Residents also participate in structured didactic sessions, board examination preparation, simulation training, and fresh tissue dissection laboratory activities.

1. Applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service.
2. Applicants must also register with the National Resident Matching Program.
3. Submit the required application documents:
4. Common application form
5. Personal statement
6. Medical school transcripts
7. Medical Student Performance Evaluation or Dean’s Letter
8. Minimum three letters of recommendation
9. Photograph
10. United States Medical Licensing Examination transcripts
11. American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination transcripts
12. Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates status report, for international medical graduates only
4. The program accepts two residents per year.
5. Selected applicants are invited for an interview. The program states that interviews are conducted virtually, with interview dates announced by the program.