Academic Cardio-Thoracic Surgery

The current Welsh Training Programme has gone from strength to strength since its reconfiguration in 2008, with the recruitment of its first trainee in 2009.

Cardiothoracic Surgery Training in Wales is delivered across two hospital sites. These are the University Hospital Wales in Cardiff and Morriston Hospital in Swansea.

In-line with SCTS/SAC and JCST training guidance, the Wales deanery runs cardiothoracic training through a run-through ST1-ST7 programme and is provided in accordance with the Wales Deanery Prospectus 2025.

Training Programme Director: Mr Pankaj Kumar (Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon)

Core Surgical Training Programme Director: Mr Daniel Hanratty (Consultant General Surgeon)

Head of School of Surgery: Prof Wyn Lewis (Consultant General Surgeon)

Under the umbrella of the Wales Deanery, training in Wales for cardiothoracic surgery offers a wide range of adult cardiac and thoracic services and training across two hospital sites: Cardiff and Swansea (located 42 miles apart with good transport link via M4). Beyond the routine adult cardiac and thoracic case mix, there is an opportunity to gain fantastic exposure and experience in mitral surgery, minimally invasive lung cancer resection, off-pump coronary surgery, major aortic surgery, chest wall surgery and many other sub-specialty interest in both cardiac and thoracic surgery.

In-line with SCTS/SAC and JCST training guidance, the Wales deanery runs cardiothoracic training through a run-through ST1-ST7 programme.

The early years of training, ST1 and ST2 are run in conjunction with the Welsh Deanery’s Core Surgical Training Programmes, giving the trainee core surgical competencies and qualifications on completion. The opportunity to attend all the educational sessions from the Core Programme will help in completing the MRCS (mandatory to progress to intermediate years).

In phases 2 and 3 of surgical training there is annual rotation between the two units supported by out of programme experiences and closely following the cardio-thoracic curriculum, allowing you to gain competencies in your chosen dominant and non-dominant specialities.

Fellowships later in the programme are actively encouraged. The deanery has excellent relationships with neighbouring and distant trusts which allows the undertaking of short and extended out of programme experiences, training and fellowships. Historically, we’ve had good links with Birmingham and Papworth if you wished to pursue interests in congenital or transplant surgery. We encourage trainees to develop a Personal Development Plan with their supervisor and use Educational Development Time in their schedule to focus on their interests and projects.