Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery

About our Heart & Vascular Department

WakeMed Heart & Vascular Physicians brings together cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons and vascular surgeons who specialize in heart and vascular disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. We offer both medical management of disease and the most advanced diagnostics, services and procedures — many of which are minimally invasive.

WakeMed Cardiothoracic surgery is proud to be the first CT surgery program in the United States to be certified in Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS). Our group of cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, and thoracic surgeons have worked with advanced practice providers since the 1980’s.

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery APP Fellowship Curriculum Overview

The WakeMed APP fellow will move through a structured program that consists of integrated clinical and didactic experiences that progress through increasing levels of procedural and clinical responsibilities.

Competencies

Diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, aortic dissections, adult congenital heart disease, lung cancer, and pericardial disease.

Procedural Skills

These include, but are not limited to, surgical assisting, endovascular vein harvesting, and chest tubes. Fellows will learn to manage patients throughout the perioperative period on inpatient units, stepdown, clinic and intensive care.

Core Rotations

These will be with cardiothoracic surgery, with mandatory rotations in thoracic surgery and vascular surgery, and an option for a cardiology elective.

Completion

Competencies are supplemented by guided reading and mentoring from our team of advanced practice providers and physicians.

Prior to completion of the program, the program will require the Fellow to complete a quality improvement project.