Specialty-specific review for Thoracic Surgery (Integrated) (CT Surg) applicants. Matched applicants averaged Step 2 CK —. We help you meet that bar.
The patterns reviewers flag most often when screening Thoracic Surgery (Integrated) candidates.
No cardiac or thoracic surgery research or case publications
Insufficient operative sub-I exposure in CT surgery
Weak letters not from cardiothoracic or general surgery faculty
Short rank order list given only 40 programs nationwide
Not demonstrating commitment to an 8+ year training pathway
CT surgery or cardiac surgery research publications
Sub-internship and operative exposure at a CT surgery program
Strong letter from a CT surgery PD or cardiac surgeon
Step 2 CK as numeric benchmark
Evidence of long-term career commitment to CT surgery (statement specificity)
Three concrete moves we'll work through with you, drawn from current NRMP / Charting Outcomes data.
Apply to all ~40 integrated CT surgery programs — with only 54 positions nationally, maximizing interview invites is critical.
Use all 3 signals for your absolute top-choice programs; given the tiny field, direct research relationships matter more than signals alone.
Arrange a sub-internship at your top-ranked program and have your research mentor contact the program director directly — CT surgery is highly relationship-driven.
We'll pair you with a reviewer who's served on Thoracic Surgery (Integrated) selection committees. Your personal statement, CV, and signal strategy — line-edited against the bar above.
Data sourced from NRMP / AAMC, NRMP / AAMC. Match year 2025.