The University of Connecticut Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Program is a traditional two-year cardiothoracic training program designed to create well-rounded cardiothoracic surgeons prepared for academic or private practice. The program is approved by the ACGME to train one resident per year for a total of two residents within the program at any given time. The program accepts individuals who have completed ACGME-accredited or equivalent residency programs in general surgery.

The UConn thoracic fellowship program is comprised of three teaching hospitals, including UConn John Dempsey Hospital, Hartford Hospital, and Connecticut Children’s. The program boasts a high clinical volume in cardiac and thoracic surgery and, through graduated autonomy, aims to produce highly competent cardiac and thoracic surgeons upon completion of the program.

The program has a comprehensive and robust educational curriculum, including weekly didactic sessions, journal clubs, surgical simulation, and oral board preparation. Fellows will be able to attend national conferences and engage in research as their time and interests allow. Clinically, fellows will be exposed to excellent training in minimally invasive and robotic techniques in thoracic surgery, as well as interventional pulmonary skills such as EBUS, navigational bronchoscopy, and complex endoscopic airway management. In addition to the full spectrum of cardiac surgery, fellows will learn catheter-based interventions as well as complex heart failure management and heart transplantation.

At UConn, we embrace a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging among all faculty, residents, and staff. In addition to the standard educational curriculum, fellows will be exposed to a variety of wellness topics designed to enable them to find success well beyond their training and become wellness champions and future leaders in cardiothoracic surgery.

Dustin M. Walters, M.D.
Program Director, UConn Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
Section Chief of Thoracic Surgery
Vice Chair of Surgery - Leadership, Culture, and Faculty Development
Associate Professor of Surgery