We aimed to investigate the improving measures of the training of research ability in cardiothoracic surgical resident. We analyzed the current training status of researching ability in residents by reviewing relevant literatures and combing with the actual situations. There are still some aspects of the training program for research ability in cardiothoracic surgical resident needing further improvements, such as training system, assessment system. Scientific research ability is one of the basic abilities for cardiothoracic surgical resident. Strengthening the training of research ability for cardiothoracic surgical resident is propitious to the long-term development of the doctors' career.