ObjectiveTo explore the training mode for improving the innovative scientific research ability of postgraduates of thoracic surgery.MethodsTwenty-two postgraduate students enrolled in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruijin Hospital from September 2016 to June 2019 were targeted for training, and the teachers were 13 doctors in our department. Training methods included grant-based learning, formative learning and translational medical learning. In addition to the postgraduate education provided by the medical school, the training content also included more than 50 lectures about thoracic surgery, including surgical video explanation, perioperative management of thoracic surgery, interpretation of clinical guidelines, and intensive reading of the literature; it also included half-year clinical internship, 100 surgical operations and management of 5 medical beds in ward.ResultsClinical ability of the postgraduates were improved. Six postgraduate students enrolled in 2016 graduated successfully. They published 15 SCI papers and won more than 20 awards.ConclusionCultivating postgraduates of thoracic surgery oriented by innovative scientific research ability is conducive to the comprehensive understanding of thoracic diseases and the ability of innovative translation research.