Abstract: Objective To explore application effects of CBL (case based learning) and PBL (problem based learning) combined with simulated training in regular clinical training and teaching of cardiothoracic surgery learners. Methods A total of 32 physicians (male cases) receiving standard resident doctor training in cardiothoracic surgery department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from September, 2013 to October, 2015 were selected as the research object, aged from 23 to 33 years old with 20 undergraduates and 12 postgraduates.Randomly, 16 cases were chosen as the research group receiving CBL and PBL combined with simulated training, and 16 as the control group receiving the traditional LBL (Lecture-Based Learning).The mean age of the study group was 27.94 ±2.93, and the mean age of the control group was 28.00 ±3.67.After learners of the two groups finished their training, their theoretical test results, practical operations, clinical case analysis performance and satisfaction degree of teaching were compared. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, education background, and the theoretical test scores before admission.The score of theoretical test results, operational abilities and case analysis results in the research group were 88.69 ±2.41, 89.50 ±2.37 and 85.06 ±2.38, and those in control group were 77.25 ±2.65, 79.31 ±2.21 and 77.19 ±1.52.The teaching satisfaction rate in the research group was 93.8%, while that in the control group was 56.25%.Learners' theoretical test results, technical operations, case analysis performance and satisfaction degree of teaching in the research group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion CBL and PBL combined with simulated training could significantly improve learners' theoretical test results and operational abilities of cardiothoracic surgery learners, so it is worth further promotion.