Baylor College of Medicine Program

Hand Surgery Fellowship Overview

The Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) offers an ACGME-approved Hand Surgery Fellowship that comprehensively addresses the full spectrum of upper extremity surgery, emphasizing on hand and wrist procedures. The curriculum encompasses acute trauma, reconstructive surgery, and specialized techniques such as brachial plexus surgery, myocutaneous flaps, replantation, and minimally invasive arthroscopy. Fellows are ensured a robust educational foundation paired with hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings.

Clinical Training and Faculty

Training for the Hand Surgery Fellowship takes place at the Texas Medical Center, a recognized healthcare complex, including leading facilities like Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, Ben Taub Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Texas Orthopedic Hospital. This exposure grants fellows access to a varied patient population and a wide range of clinical problems.

The dedicated faculty comprises esteemed professionals specializing in both orthopedic and plastic surgery, orchestrating a blend of clinical teaching and mentorship throughout the fellowship.

Curriculum Structure

Clinical Component

Fellows participate in four rotations across these institutions, where they work closely with clinical attendings, allowing for progressive responsibilities in different healthcare environments. The curriculum is designed to equip each fellow with comprehensive clinical competence in hand and microsurgery, covering essential areas such as trauma, pediatric surgery, and surgical reconstruction.

Microsurgery and Anatomy Training

All fellows receive hands-on training in microsurgery, beginning with a week-long course that covers advanced vascular techniques. Opportunities for fresh cadaver dissections are also integrated to enhance anatomical understanding crucial for upper extremity surgery.

Didactic Curriculum

The fellowship fosters a strong academic environment through regular conferences and meetings. These sessions include case management conferences and journal clubs, emphasizing active discussions on recent lectures and clinical applications. Fellows have additional opportunities to attend various industry-supported conferences.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship. Each fellow is required to undertake a research project to be completed by the end of the training year, which should be suitable for publication. Fellows receive guidance in clinical and academic projects, biomechanics, and systematic reviews, enhancing both their research skills and professional portfolio.

Rotations and Training Sites

The fellowship comprises four structured rotations, blending orthopedic and plastic surgery training. Rotations are strategically planned to provide comprehensive exposure to congenital, pediatric, and adult hand problems.

The primary teaching sites include:

• Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center: Focuses on elective surgeries and acute infections.
• Ben Taub Hospital: A level one trauma center and key site for treating skeletal trauma and major reconstructive surgeries.
• Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center: Offers extensive training in elective and trauma surgery related to hand injuries.
• Texas Children's Hospital: Provides exposure to pediatric orthopedics and congenital issues.

Application Process

Prospective candidates must submit a completed application via the ASSH application portal, along with necessary documentation, including letters of reference and transcripts. The program only reviews complete applications. An M.D. degree, a Texas Medical License, and CPR certification are mandatory. Furthermore, international applicants can only be sponsored for J-1 visas, necessitating additional documentation for processing.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Hand Surgery Fellowship at BCM is highly competitive, attracting both U.S. degree holders and international medical graduates (IMGs). Eligible candidates must have completed an accredited residency program in either Orthopedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, or General Surgery. No specific limitations on failed USMLE exams are specified, although each applicant must provide their Step transcripts.

Benefits and Stipend

Fellows in the program are classified at PGY VI level, receiving a stipend of $56,101, which aligns with standards set by BCM’s Graduate Medical Education office.

Conclusion

The Baylor College of Medicine Hand Surgery Fellowship is distinguished by its thorough and multifaceted approach to upper extremity surgery education, embracing robust clinical training, research engagement, and a highly collaborative teaching environment among notable faculty and healthcare facilities.