Education
Join a Legacy of excellence with world-class cardiac surgery training
The Division of Cardiac Surgery at UCLA offers world-class training rooted in a legacy of excellence in surgical education and research. Our residency and fellowship programs prepare future cardiac surgeons to excel in both academic institutions and community practice.
UCLA Thoracic Surgery Fellowship
The two-year, ACGME-accredited UCLA Thoracic Surgery Fellowship provides top-tier training in cardiac and thoracic surgery. Fellows gain hands-on experience in 2,000+ cases annually, including robotic procedures, heart and lung transplants, and mechanical circulatory support. Graduates are board-eligible through the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS).
Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship
This program also offers a one-year, ACGME-accredited Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship, one of only 12 elite programs nationwide. With 400+ congenital heart surgeries annually and a leading pediatric heart transplant program, fellows train in complex congenital and adolescent redo transplants, caring for patients from newborns to adults. Graduates are board-eligible for Congenital Cardiac Surgery certification through the ABTS.
Program leadership
- Dr. Richard Shemin, MD – Program Director and Chief of Cardiac Surgery
- Dr. Bryan Burt – Chief of Thoracic Surgery
- Dr. Glen Van Arsdell – Chief of Congenital Cardiac Surgery
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UCLA General Surgery Residency – Cardiac and thoracic surgery research focus
The UCLA General Surgery Residency offers outstanding research opportunities in cardiac and thoracic surgery. With expert mentorship and a strong emphasis on innovation, residents gain the expertise and experience needed to excel in these specialized fields.
Key research areas include
- ECMO/ECLS Program: As an ELSO Gold Center, UCLA leads regional best practices in extracorporeal life support with ECLS transports across Southern California and opportunities for outcomes research.
- Bioengineering and Cardiology Collaborations: Residents participate in innovative projects such as bluetooth-enabled monitoring devices, 3D-printed cardiac models, pressure-regulated ventilatory splitting and miniaturized cardiopulmonary support tools.
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CORELAB Training Pathways
The Cardiac Outcomes Research Laboratory (CORELAB) at UCLA Health is committed to shaping the next generation of clinician-scientists through rigorous training, mentorship, and hands-on research opportunities. Our members gain the skills and experience necessary to excel in top programs nationwide, contributing to advancements in cardiovascular surgery and patient care.