ST4: Core Cardiothoracic Surgery Course

Programme to be released in upcoming weeks!

The ST4 Core Cardiothoracic Surgery Course is a comprehensive three-day educational programme designed specifically for UK cardiothoracic surgical trainees entering higher specialty training. Delivered by an experienced multidisciplinary faculty of consultant cardiac, congenital cardiac, thoracic surgeons, anaesthetists and radiologists, the course provides a structured review of the key knowledge, clinical decision-making, and operative principles required at ST4 level. 

The curriculum covers the breadth of modern cardiothoracic surgery, beginning with advanced cardiac topics including perioperative management, cardiac imaging, valve disease, atrial fibrillation surgery, endocarditis, redo cardiac surgery and the management of complex valve pathology. Interactive case-based discussions allow delegates to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world clinical scenarios and develop operative planning skills. 

A dedicated congenital cardiac surgery programme introduces trainees to cardiac morphology, simple and complex congenital lesions, single ventricle physiology, and contemporary approaches to aortic root surgery. Through multidisciplinary case conferences and imaging-based operative strategy workshops, delegates will gain a greater understanding of clinical decision-making in challenging congenital and aortic pathology.

The final day focuses on thoracic surgery, covering essential topics including thoracic radiology, lung cancer assessment and staging, minimally invasive surgical approaches, pulmonary metastasectomy, pleural infection, thoracic trauma, mediastinal disease and the management of intraoperative complications. MDT simulations and case-based panel discussions provide valuable opportunities to develop critical thinking and multidisciplinary working skills. 

By the end of the course, delegates will have enhanced their understanding of core cardiothoracic surgical principles, strengthened their interpretation of imaging and clinical investigations, and developed greater confidence in operative planning, perioperative management and multidisciplinary decision-making. The course is ideally suited to ST4 trainees seeking to consolidate foundational knowledge across cardiac, congenital and thoracic surgery and prepare for the increasing clinical and operative responsibilities of higher specialty training.