Clinical Skills:

During the training program the resident:

1. Evaluates pleural effusions and recommends appropriate therapy;
   
   
2. Performs invasive diagnostic studies (e.g., incisional and excisional biopsy, needle biopsy, fluid analysis);
   
   
3. Places tube thoracostomies and performs chemical or mechanical pleurodesis;
   
   
4. Performs initial drainage procedures and subsequent procedures for empyema (e.g., decortication, empyemectomy, rib resection, Eloesser flap, Claggett procedure, closure of bronchopleural fistula);
   
   
5. Performs video assisted thorascopic surgery as necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of pleural disease.
   
   
6. Places pleuroperitoneal shunts;
   
   
7. Performs pleural stripping for mesothelioma.