Advanced Visiting Training — Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery

Programme overview

Focused visiting skills training within West China’s thoracic programme, with simulation, case review, operative observation and supervised participation.

Programme details

Required prior training

Bachelor’s degree or above, more than three years of surgical clinical work, medical qualification and practising certificates. Completed CTS certification is not explicitly required.

Participation

Thoracoscopic simulation, weekly surgical-video review, case discussions and supervised clinical learning. Exact operative role requires host approval.

Application schedule

Standing spring/autumn schedule: selection in January for March and July for September. No year-specific available places confirmed.

Assessment

Written and clinical skills assessments.

International applicants

West China Hospital publishes a separate overseas visiting-trainee route for physicians licensed outside China. Confirm the appropriate applicant category and availability in minimally invasive thoracic surgery with the host before applying.

Funding

The published overseas route is self-funded. The hospital lists a CNY 600 application fee and annual tuition of CNY 40,000 for ordinary or CNY 50,000 for advanced visiting trainees, with prorating for shorter placements. Confirm which category and fees apply to the thoracic placement.

Curriculum

Minimally invasive thoracic track covers thoracoscopic lung, oesophageal and mediastinal procedures, supported by clinical rotations, case discussions and lectures.

Simulation

Thoracoscopic instrument practice includes grasping, transfer, cutting and suturing; bookable simulation equipment and weekly surgical-video review are described in the 2025 prospectus.

Research component

Departmental clinical databases, specimen banks and translational thoracic oncology resources are described; a dedicated research appointment is not promised.

Application documents

For the overseas route, prepare your passport, degree and transcripts, training plan, two academic references, recent police clearance and medical exam, language evidence where required, and proof of employment or enrolment. Doctors must also provide a valid home-country medical licence and notarised evidence.

Official contact

For the overseas route, contact the West China Hospital International Cooperation and Exchange Office at ghb@wchscu.cn or +86 28 8542 1920 and ask about placement in minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Language

For the overseas route, the hospital accepts Chinese (HSK 4 with 180 or equivalent) or English (TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent where required). Applicants from English-speaking countries are exempt from English proof under the published notice.

Visa information

The overseas route describes university assistance with visa arrangements after Sichuan University issues the admission notice. Confirm the applicable visa category and thoracic placement before travel.

How to apply

Enquire through the official West China Post-Graduate Medical Education admissions portal for the minimally invasive thoracic track and current recruitment.

Confirm operative privileges with the host. Participation depends on licensing, credentialing, immigration status and institutional approval.