ACOS Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

Cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery are specialties which encompass an extremely wide field of practice. These specialties require both cognitive and procedural skills for treating a broad spectrum of congenital and acquired diseases and deformities. In addition to comprehensive acquisition of general and specific surgical skills, osteopathic cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeons are thoroughly trained in the basic sciences and in the understanding and application of the principles of osteopathic medicine. They are competent in the preoperative and postoperative care of surgical patients as well as in the technical performance of surgical procedures related to cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery.
The cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgeon is also trained and experienced in the management of the critically ill patient with multiple organ system failure including but not limited to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and management, nutritional support, the management of sepsis and coagulopathies, etc. Extensive and comprehensive residency training as well as continued post-graduate education, especially in cardiac, thoracic, or vascular surgery, is the basis for this definition.
The purpose and objectives of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Discipline within the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons are:

1. To establish an organization as authorized by the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons to further the educational activities and the maintenance of quality in cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery.
2. To facilitate the quality of residency training and postgraduate education programs in the field of cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery.
3. To preserve the overall objectives, ideals and functions of the Discipline of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery as defined by this document (Article II).
4. To maintain and promote the highest moral and ethical standards in the practice of cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery.
5. This organization is being established as directed by the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons and shall preserve the overall objectives, ideals, and functions of the  American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.