The University of Michigan Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery Program

In 1928, the University of Michigan opened its thoracic surgery residency under the leadership of Dr John Alexander. Initially tasked with providing surgical care for patients with thoracic diseases such as tuberculosis, thoracic surgery subspecialties now provide surgical treatment for a spectrum of diseases, ranging from congenital cardiopulmonary abnormalities to thoracic malignancy to acquired heart and great vessel diseases. Both the residency and the medical center have evolved to mirror the changing practice of thoracic surgery.