Objective To compare the application advantage of thematic inquiry-based teaching (TIT) mode with traditional teaching method in the teaching of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). Methods The students (n=30) of grade 2019 received residency standardized training in Department of Nephropathy in Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital were chosen from Sept. 2020 to Dec. 2021, and randomly divided into observation group (received TIT mode) and control group (received traditional teaching method). The theoretical and operational examination results were compared between 2 groups. The teaching effects and students’ satisfaction degree were compared by using questionnaire, and were analyzed by using SPSS 20.0 software. Results The theoretical and operational examination results were significantly superior in observation group to those in control group (theoretical examination P=0.006, operational examination P=0.003). There were no statistical differences in deepening theoretical knowledge understanding and promoting the integration of theory and clinical practice between 2 groups. However, it was more significant in improving analysis ability and thinking expanding ability, enhancing research ability and cultivating innovation ability in observation group (P<0.05). Conclusion The application of TIT mode in clinical teaching of CRS can effectively improve performance in students. It has significant advantages over traditional teaching method for developing active learning ability, exercising clinical thinking and exploring cuttingedge advances, which is worth to be promoted in clinical standardized training.