As I understand it, currently the only way to enter a two/three year cardiothoracic fellowship is to have completed a 5-7 year general surgery residency and be eligible for board certification in general surgery. Does anyone have any knowledge about whether or not a integrated vascular graduate would ever be able to enter into a thoracic fellowship as an independent applicant? Would a 0+5 vascular program be thought of as inadequate preparation to handle a thoracic fellowship? Or would it be seen as something with it's own unique strengths, perhaps producing a candidate who brings some desirable skills into the program?