How to Apply

Individuals applying for the TSDA Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship Match must meet the eligibility requirements as outlined by the ACGME Program Requirements for Graduate Medical Education in Congenital Cardiac Surgery.

Applicants must have completed a Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency (JTP or I6) and or Traditional Fellowship that meets one of the following criteria:

• ACGME-accredited residency program
• AOA-approved residency program
• ACGME International (ACGME-I)
• Advanced Specialty Accreditation
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)-accredited or College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)-accredited residency program located in Canada

• Applicants are required to register with SF Match at https://sfmatch.org/. ERAS and NRMP services are not utilized for the TSDA Congenital Cardiac Surgery Fellowship Match. Please contact TSDA at tsda@tsda.org or 312-202-5854 with any questions regarding the application and match process.
• Complete the 2025 Match Universal Application on the TSDA website: 2025 Match Universal Application

Provide the following supporting documents to the program coordinator in PDF format by email to Ms. Gretchen Lynch – gretchen.lynch@duke.edu

• Completed Universal Application
• Photo (jpeg)
• Current CV
• Personal Statement
• 3 Letters of Recommendation. Letters must be sent directly from the letter writer or their proxy (not the applicant).
  • Letter from the Program Director. This letter must verify that the applicant has completed an ACGME approved CT Surgery residency or fellowship at an ACGME accredited program.
  • Two additional letters from references who have worked with the applicant clinically.
• Signed TSDA Rules and Regulations agreement

Applications will be reviewed by the program director, associate program director and congenital faculty. If selected for an interview you will be contacted by the program coordinator Ms. Gretchen Lynch with further details.

We will be accepting applications until August 1. Applications must be complete with all supporting documents by August 15.

Selection for interview is based upon academic credentials, clinical performance, and all included application materials. The final ranking of candidates for the Thoracic Surgery Directors Association (TSDA) Match is done on the basis of academic accomplishments, communication skills, and personal qualities.

Interviews will be held virtually on a selected date in September 2025 (TBD).

For more information about applying to the program, please contact:

Gretchen Lynch, C-TAGME
Program Coordinator
Office: (919) 613-5069
Email: Gretchen.lynch@duke.edu