Training model for cardiovascular surgeons at the University of Michigan and its implications

doi:10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20251216-01634

Abstract

Abstract: Over the past two decades, the Integrated 6-year Cardiothoracic Surgical Residency Program (I-6) has emerged in the United States as a representative model characterized by early specialization, longitudinal training, and dedicated research development. By combining intensive clinical exposure with structured academic development, the program has maintained strong scholarly productivity and remained an established pathway for cardiovascular surgical residency training. The University of Michigan, one of the oldest research-intensive universities in the United States, is among the representative institutions implementing this model. Using document analysis and field observation, this article examines the cardiovascular surgery training model at the University of Michigan in terms of training objectives, pathway design, curriculum and rotations, teaching methods, assessment and quality assurance, clinical competence, and training outcomes.Its experience suggests that China should develop a context-appropriate training model for cardiovascular surgeons by aligning national healthcare needs, existing institutional frameworks, training pathways, and the constraints of training capacity.

Key words: Curriculum, United States, Cardiovascular surgery, Resident, Fellow, Implications

CLC Number:

Fan Chengming, Yang Jinfu, Feng Hong. Training model for cardiovascular surgeons at the University of Michigan and its implications[J]. Chinese Journal of Medical Education, 2026, 46(8): 636-640, DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115259-20251216-01634.

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