The STS Boot Camp is designed to provide an experiential foundation and hands-on practice in basic cardiothoracic operating skills. Resident participants will receive expert instruction and utilize simulators that enhance the learning experience by replicating real-world cases and emergency scenarios. Program directors will be invited to nominate first-year residents to participate later this spring.
Participants are nominated by their program directors. The nomination period will open at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 1, and close on April 22. Program directors will receive further instructions via email.
Nominations
Nominations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and 60 spots are available for participation (programs may designate more than one eligible resident). Submission does not guarantee participation. Nominators will be notified after the April close date. STS membership is strongly encouraged for residents attending STS Boot Camp.
Who is eligible to participate?
First-year residents at traditional two- and three-year programs who start July/August 2026, third-year residents at I6 programs as of July/August 2026, and fourth-year residents at 4/3 programs as of July/August 2026.
What information is required?
Resident’s name, PGY, program track (traditional, I6, or 4/3), personal email address, institutional email address (if available).
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of Boot Camp, attendees should be able to:
- Explain the surgical principles of coronary revascularization and satisfactorily perform proximal and distal coronary anastomoses.
- Adequately perform wire skills with performance of TAVR procedures.
- Adequately perform aortic and atrial cannulation along with placing a patient on cardiopulmonary bypass and subsequently weaning of the process and decannulation.
- Explain the principles of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine as well as common troubleshooting issues that can arise when a patient is on CPB.
- Recognize the basics of echocardiography and standard normal and pathologic findings with TEE.
- Describe the fundamental surgical techniques and strategies for performing an open pulmonary lobectomy.
- Satisfactorily operate the Da Vinci robot and conduct the basic skills necessary to perform a robotic-assisted pulmonary lobectomy.
- Adequately operate the Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) Scope and perform EBUS-directed biopsy of parabronchial and paratracheal lymph nodes.
- Adequately perform navigational bronchoscopy
- Adequately perform robotic bronchoscopy.
- Adequately perform trans thoracic lung biopsy.
- Manage insertion of a double lumen endotracheal tube, as well as troubleshoot problems that commonly occur after the tube has been placed.
- Proficiently place an esophageal and tracheal stent.
- Proficiently place and use a rigid bronchoscope.
- Adequately perform a mitral valve repair and replacement.
- Adequately perform an aortic valve repair and replacement
- Understand correct suture needle angles.
- Understand the pitfalls and potential areas of harm due to improper suture placement.
- Adequately perform a mitral valve repair.
- Adequately perform an aortic valve repair.
Registration and Travel
Registration Fees
Program Directors will be notified by STS if their resident was accepted to this year's Boot Camp and invoiced to cover the registration fee. Questions? Contact the STS Education Department.
Travel and Housing
Programs are responsible for covering all travel-related expenses (airfare and ground transportation) and lodging expenses at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare. Programs also are responsible for making all travel arrangements and hotel reservations. A housing link to make reservations at the Marriott Chicago O’Hare will be provided after resident participation is confirmed. Residents are expected to stay a minimum of three nights from Thursday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 23. It is at the program’s discretion whether or not each participant requires lodging for more than three nights.