Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Group

The Cardiothoracic Surgery Interest Group (CTSIG) aims to expose students to the continuously changing and exciting field of cardiothoracic surgery. Monthly events include talks from adult cardiac, thoracic and congenital cardiac surgeons, as well as wet labs for knot tying, suturing and aortic valve replacement. Students who actively participate in the group are “on-call” to see a heart or lung transplant from procurement to final stitch. This unforgettable experience often requires travel by ground or private jet, and many students regard seeing a transplant as one of the most influential experiences of their preclinical years.

The CTSIG offers opportunities in research projects ranging from clinical outcomes to basic science research. Our research coordinator works with the surgeons to compile available projects and identify motivated students to complete them. The CTSIG also aids members in applying for national scholarships to sponsor summer research and trips to conferences, such as the annual STS and AATS meetings. First-year students who are interested in a fully immersive experience in cardiothoracic surgery are encouraged to apply for the Summer Scholars in Cardiothoracic Surgery Program. Selected students spend their summer fully engaged in clinical care and research alongside Ohio State's CT surgeons.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our remarkable surgeons. Their genuine passion for the field and teaching is infectious, and together we hope to inspire the next generation of cardiothoracic surgeons!

President: Marlene Hernandez
Vice president: Alim Habib
Treasurer: Garrett Cotter
Event/Transplant coordinator: Evelyn Goodyear
Research coordinator: Amber Mirza

CTSIG Heart Transplant Viewing List

We offer the opportunity for interest group students to see a heart transplant surgery. Students are also often invited to go on the procurement. Students often note that this is an unforgettable and influential experience. Due to the limited number of transplants not everyone in the group is able to go to a transplant. We set up the transplant list as a loyalty program that rewards students who show interest in cardiothoracic surgery by attending events. The more events a student attends, the higher they are on the list. When there is a transplant, the most active members will have the opportunity to attend first. We limit participation to one transplant in order to share this wonderful opportunity with as many students as possible.

If you would like to collaborate, become involved or have further questions, please email CTSIG@osumc.edu.