Background and Aim: Clinical education has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We present a standardized remote alternative online cardiothoracic surgery primer to accommodate a shortened clinical calendar. Methods: A week-long cardiothoracic surgery course consisting of virtual case-based lectures and small groups as well as surgical operation walkthroughs was conducted iteratively through April and May 2020 at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA for new clinical third-year medical students. Results: Remote learning platforms helped maintain medical student clinical education. Cardiothoracic procedure video walkthroughs were highly demanded for remote learning. Virtual small group discussions were felt to be invaluable in facilitating active problem solving and clinical decision making of cardiothoracic surgery. Conclusion: Our online cardiothoracic surgery curriculum can be a framework for alternative medical student clinical education. Student feedback is necessary as we adapt to teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic and future global disruptions.