Comprehensive Pre-Requisite Thoracic Surgery Curriculum

Pre-Requisite Thoracic Surgery Curriculum
Table of Contents 

I. Normal Thoracic Anatomy

a. Chest Wall
b. Mediastinum
c. Tracheobronchial Tree
d. Esophagus
e. Heart & Pericardium
f. Great Vessels

II. Normal Thoracic Physiology

a. Adult Cardiac
b. Pediatric Cardiac
c. Esophageal
d. Pulmonary
e. Chest Wall & Diaphragm

III. Adult Cardiac Diagnostic Studies

a. Electrocardiography
b. Echocardiography
c. Diagnostic Catheterization
d. Diagnostic Angiography
e. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
f. Cardiac Nuclear Studies

IV. Pediatric Cardiology Diagnosis

a. Electrocardiography
b. Echocardiography
c. Diagnostic Catheterization
d. Diagnostic Angiography
e. Pediatrics Transesophageal Echocardiogram

V. Thoracic Imaging Studies

a. Chest X-rays
b. Computed Tomography (CT)
c. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
d. Barium Contrast Studies

VI. Thoracic Functional Studies

a. Pulmonary Spirometry and Diffusion
b. Evaluation of Benign Esophageal Disease
c. Pulmonary Nuclear Studies
d. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

VII. Thoracic Anesthesia

a. Monitoring & Anesthesia Technology
b. Single Lung Isolation Strategies
c. Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia
d. Perioperative Analgesia & Sedation
e. Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiography

VIII. Thoracic Critical Care

a. Perioperative Arrhythmias & Bleeding
b. Perioperative Low Cardiac Output
c. Perioperative Transfusion Therapy
d. Perioperative Nutrition
e. Severe Respiratory Failure
f. Perioperative Pharmacology
g. Pediatric Critical Care

IX. Fundamentals of Thoracic Endoscopy

a. Laryngoscopy & Intubation
b. Tracheobronchoscopy
c. Esophagoscopy
d. Thoracoscopy

X. Surgical Instrumentation and Basic Technique

a. Patient Positioning
b. Thoracic Incisions
c. Thoracic Drainage
d. Pacers & Defibrillators
e. Thoracic Reoperations
f. Neonatal Surgical Emergencies

XI. Cardiopulmonary Bypass Techniques

a. Anticoagulation & Hemostasis
b. Pumps & Oxygenators
c. Myocardial Protection
d. Neurologic Protection
e. Pediatrics & Circulatory Arrest
f. IABP
g. LVAD
h. Physiology of Cardiopulmonary Bypass

XII. Research Methodology & Professional Information

a. Critical Lit Review Techniques
b. Literature Search Techniques
c. Breakthrough Statistical Approaches
d. Interpretation of Non-fatal Events after Cardiac Surgery
e. Key Thoracic Predictors
f. Key Cardiac Measures & Staging
g. Computer/Internet Basics

XIII. Academics, Ethics & Professionalism

a. National Societies & Resources
b. National Meetings & Courses
c. Residency & Board Requirements
d. Palliative Care & Advanced Directives
e. Thoracic Surgery & the Law 



Last Modified: 22-Jun-2011
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