Postgraduate School of Thoracic Surgery

Common training objectives (or common core)

Students must acquire: in-depth knowledge of anatomy, clinical biochemistry, physiopathology and pharmacology; the ability to complete epidemiologic evaluations and workup of clinical cases, also through the use of information systems; practical experience required to clinically assess a patient correctly based on knowledge of aetiopathogenic mechanisms of disease processes, of related anatomical-pathological aspects, and of microbiological and haematological implications; in-depth knowledge of scientific English. Students must also acquire: adequate knowledge of surgical anatomy for objective clinical examinations and surgical medicine; the principles of asepsis and issues relating to organization and environmental hygiene in the operating room; knowledge of surgical instruments and of suture materials; traditional and alternative surgical methods and techniques; basic knowledge and related practical experience for personally assessing the overall condition of patients and identifying correctly cardiac, thoracic or vascular pathologies, providing an indication of the most suitable therapy as a function of risks, benefits and expected outcome for each single patient; acquire theoretical-practical knowledge of the preoperative and postoperative care (including intensive care) in diseases linked to their specialization that require surgery, so that students are able to address and solve issues pertaining to the definition and management of postoperative care and aftercare. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the disease, they must be able to personally complete elective or emergency surgery. Students must acquire: the core competencies and experience required to diagnose and prescribe treatment for diseases pertaining to the class, with an overall understanding of priorities in the case of multiple pathologies or lesions in patients requiring other important specialist treatment; knowledge of the medical-legal aspects of theirs profession and the body of laws, norms and regulations governing healthcare; the ability to organize and manage their own surgical activity in relation to the characteristics of the facility in which they will be operating.

Core training objectives

-Students must acquire in-depth knowledge of the anatomy, physiopathology and pathological anatomy of the thorax and the organs therein;
-they must acquire the competencies to complete epidemiological evaluations and systematization of clinical data, also through the use of information systems.

School-specific training objectives

-Learn the theory and scientific principles, and train in thoracic surgery and medical assistance in the field of thoracic and mini-invasive surgery
-Know the signs and symptoms, as well as the laboratory and instrumental methodologies to complete diagnostic and treatment procedures in diseases requiring surgery in the thorax and the organs therein
-Acquire mastery of surgical techniques, including those relating to oncological thoracic surgery, emergency and urgent thoracic surgery and lung transplant surgery, so as to be able to complete therapeutic surgical procedures in collaboration with surgical specialists from other fields and with medical and radiogenic therapeutic support

Related or additional objectives
Students must acquire the core competencies and experience to recognize and, where required, treat pathologies pertaining to other medical specialties, particularly when immediate action is required. Students must learn to complete a comprehensive workup for cases requiring multispecialty management and correctly define treatment priorities in the case of multiple lesions or pathologies.
They must also understand medical-legal aspects pertaining to their specialist class and the laws and regulations governing healthcare.