Objective　To investigate the application effect of case-based learning (CBL) in clinical practice teaching of cardiothoracic surgery. Methods　A total of 86 interns who rotated in our department from February to November 2019 were randomized into observation group (n = 43) and control group (n = 43) by drawing lots. The control group used traditional teaching method

and the observation group used CBL teaching method. The differences between the two groups in professional theoretical performance

clinical skill achievement and teaching satisfaction were compared. Results　The professional theoretical scores

clinical skills scores

and teaching satisfaction of the observation group were better than those of the control group

with statistical differences (P < 0.05). Conclusion　The CBL teaching method can effectively help interns master professional theoretical knowledge and clinical practice skills of cardiothoracic surgery

which has obtained satisfactory teaching results and is worthy of promotion.