Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center offers a two-year independent model fellowship program that is fully-accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Successful completion prepares our graduates to obtain certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
At UNMC, we place an emphasis on progressive fellow autotomy and responsibility during each year. The clinical curriculum includes balanced and comprehensive rotations in cardiac, thoracic and congenital surgery. We recognize that proficiency in minimally invasive approaches for mitral and aortic surgery, as well as a robust transcatheter aortic valve replacement experience, are essential for the modern cardiac surgeon. Additionally fellows gain experience in both video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robotic approaches in thoracic surgery. Innovative techniques and excellent patient outcomes are the mainstay of the congenital cardiac program. As the major ventricular assist device and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation center for the region, advanced heart failure therapies are another forte of the program.
This broad clinical exposure is then blended with a strong academic curriculum to complete a well-rounded training.
Rudy Lackner, MD, Cardiothoracic Surgery Fellowship Program Director
Dr. Lackner is the chief of the section of thoracic surgery. He has a special interest in the combined use of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to treat advanced stages of cancer and in the use of minimally invasive procedures in the treatment of these cancers.
