Penn Cardiac Care Ranked 12th in Nation
Penn Cardiac Care at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has been ranked 12th in the nation, and best in the Philadelphia region, for heart care and heart surgery by U.S.News and World Report's 2008 Best Hospitals ranking. Since 1990, U.S.News has published this annual special issue, which provides a ranking of hospital quality of care on a nationwide basis and is meant to help consumers make informed decisions when looking for hospital care.
Join the 2008 Start Heart Walk
The 10th Annual Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Citizen’s Bank Park - Home to our own Philadelphia Phillies! We encourage you to join Penn’s Heart Walk team today! Your participation will help support Penn Cardiac Care and the American Heart Association’s efforts to develop programs and research dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for heart disease and stroke. These issues truly affect our business and touch our families, friends, associates, and the communities we serve.
Penn Cardiovascular Institute
Over the past decade, cardiovascular research and clinical care at the University of Pennsylvania has grown tremendously with many nationally and internationally recognized research and clinical programs. The Penn Cardiovascular Institute (CVI) was established in 2005 to build bridges between scientists and clinicians. This collaborative spirit has facilitated the development of novel treatments and therapies, which patients at Penn have been among the first in the world to benefit from. Our researchers and clinicians continue to discover new breakthroughs that lead to life-saving procedures, devices and medications that will positively impact the care of individuals with cardiovascular disease.
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery current issue
[Thoracic Surgical Education] Weathering the storm: How can thoracic surgery training programs meet the new challenges in the era of less-invasive technologies? Prasad, S. M., Massad, M. G., Chedrawy, E. G., Snow, N. J., Yeh, J. T., Lele, H., Tarakji, A., Maniar, H. S., Herren, H., Gay, W. A. Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 -0000
Objective
The introduction of new technologies has shifted some resident index procedures to nonsurgical specialists. We examined the operative case volume of thoracic surgery residents during the last 6 years to objectively identify changes and trends.
Methods
Program and resident data from 2002 to 2007 were entered into a database and analyzed. Program match information was obtained from the National Resident Matching Program. Resident operative experience and board examination results were obtained from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery.
Results
A total of 795 residents qualified for the written American Board of Thoracic Surgery examination; 627 residents graduated from 2-year programs, and 168 residents graduated from 3-year programs. The total number of resident cases was higher in 3-year programs compared with 2-year programs in all 10 index categories studied (P < .01). The total volume of cases has not significantly increased in 2-year programs. The volume of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries decreased in every resident program model studied. The volume of general thoracic cases increased in all program models. Two-year, 2-resident programs had the lowest volume in 5 of the 10 categories, reaching significance in 3 categories. The written board pass rate was lower among 2-year programs than among 3-year programs (86% vs 95%, respectively, P = .003).
Conclusion
Training programs have so far weathered the storm by maintaining index volume with a new case mix, but significant trends in revascularization procedures are concerning. This study indicates a significant advantage in case volume and board pass rates among 3-year programs. Thoracic residency programs should be reorganized so that the number of residents does not exceed the capacity of the program to provide a meaningful experience.
AATS on the Web - Information about the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Includes information on meetings, updates and members.
Meta Description: [ The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) was founded in 1917 and since that time it has continually encouraged and stimulated education and investigation into the areas of intrathoracic physiology, pathology and therapy though its Annual Meeting, Educational Programs, and Research Opp... ]
American Board of Thoracic Surgery - Provides information for prospective candidates for examination and outlines its rules and regulations.
Meta Description: [ Standard Affiliate Homepage ]
American Thoracic Society - An international scientific society which focuses on respiratory and critical care medicine.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons - Provides information on members, committees, contact information, national database on open heart surgery, discussions and education links.
The Southern Thoracic Surgical Association - Provides information on meetings, committees, news, events and contact information. Membership limited to thoracic surgeons practicing in the southern regions of the United States.
The Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education - Aims are to enhance the education and capabilities of the thoracic surgeons of tomorrow. Provides information on scholarships, awards, grants, donors, committees and contact information.
Meta Description: [ The Thoracic Surgery Foundation for Research and Education (TSFRE) was established in 1992 to increase knowledge and enhance treatment of patients with cardiothoracic disease, to develop skills of cardiothoracic surgeons as surgeon-scientists and health policy leaders and to strengthen society's ... ]
Western Thoracic Surgical Association - Provides information on members, annual meeting and news and events concerning cardiac and thoracic surgeons.
Meta Description: [ Join us for the 32nd Annual Meeting of the Western Thoracic Surgical Association, June 21-24, 2006 at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Indiana. ]