Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Cardiothoracic Surgery training program at RUSH University Medical Center. The department is led by Michael J. Liptay, MD, The Mary and John Bent Professor of Surgery and Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery. Our program director is Nicole M. Geissen, DO, and the associate program director is Antone Tatooles, MD.
A message from Drs. Liptay and Geissen
Through a stimulating and dynamic two-year curriculum, our committed faculty will comprehensively train you to provide the highest-quality cardiac and general thoracic surgical care. The high volume and variety of pathologies seen at RUSH University Medical Center, John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, and Advocate Christ Medical Center allows for a rigorous and diverse surgical experience. Many of our graduates advance to excellent academic and private practice opportunities or secure prestigious fellowship training positions at world-class institutions.
In our program, you will build an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of adult cardiovascular, respiratory and upper gastrointestinal diseases through peri-operative care, performing cardiothoracic surgical procedures and post operative follow up. Fellows are exposed to minimally invasive thoracic surgery, including complex endoscopic, laparoscopic, VATS and robotic approaches; as well as new and innovative techniques in adult cardiac surgery including percutaneous valve implantation, ventricular assist devices, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, transplantation, and aortic stent grafting.
Best wishes on your career journey,
Nicole M. Geissen, DO
Program Director
Michael J. Liptay, MD
Chairman
How to apply
Each year, we appoint two fellows on August 1. The program includes one fellow per year in the cardiac & thoracic track.
To be considered, you must have completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited general surgical residency and be eligible for examination by the American Board of Surgery. You may then apply for examination by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
Get a glimpse of where you will work during your fellowship, and learn why Chicago is a great place to live and train. Learn more about the advantages of Rush.
House staff lead you on a virtual tour of the facilities at Rush University Medical Center.