Baylor University Medical Center Program

The Texas Heart Institute/Baylor College of Medicine Thoracic Surgery (Independent) Fellowship Program is recognized for its profound legacy and innovative approaches in cardiothoracic surgery. This prestigious program unfolds over three years and accommodates three fellows annually. It stands as one of the largest thoracic surgery programs in the United States. The fellowship is complemented by a six-year Thoracic Surgery Integrated Residency Program, which allows for an expansive training experience across multiple esteemed institutions located within the Texas Medical Center.

Under the auspices of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, the fellows engage in rigorous training that fosters integrity, respect, excellence, innovation, and leadership in surgical education. The comprehensive focus of this program covers both adult and pediatric thoracic and cardiac surgery, enhanced by clinical excellence and robust research activities. Furthermore, the program seeks to instill a deep-rooted commitment to discovery and leadership development in its trainees, abiding by the values propagated by its founders, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey and Dr. Denton A. Cooley 1.

Training Sites

The fellowship provides fellows with experience at renowned hospitals within the Texas Medical Center:

• Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center: Serving as the primary private adult hospital affiliate, fellows engage with a multitude of cardiothoracic services.
• Texas Children's Hospital: A top-ranked pediatric hospital, offering exposure to congenital cardiac surgery.
• MD Anderson Cancer Center: A leading institution for thoracic oncology, providing hands-on training in complex resections.
• Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center: A significant center offering diverse cardiothoracic cases.
• Ben Taub Hospital: Renowned for its Level I trauma center, offering fellows exposure to complex cases in cardiothoracic surgery.

Each of these institutions not only provides diverse clinical experiences but also supports the fellows in obtaining procedural volume needed for board eligibility through the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) 1.

Curriculum Rotations

Fellows rotate through various hospitals with a structured curriculum. The first year entails rotations focusing on both general thoracic and cardiothoracic tracks, covering vital surgical procedures and patient management in various specialties:

• First Year: Rotations include general thoracic and cardiac surgery, adult and pediatric surgical exposure, and thoracic oncology.
• Second Year: Emphasis on general thoracic surgery, adult cardiovascular surgery, structural heart rotations, and robotic thoracic surgery.
• Third Year: Fellows serve as chief fellows, deepening their hands-on experience with complex cases, including aortic surgeries and heart/lung transplantation 3.

Didactic Training

Supplementing clinical training, the program incorporates a comprehensive didactic component. Weekly lectures are conducted on various subjects relevant to thoracic surgery. Included sessions encompass:

• Departmental Grand Rounds
• Weekly lectures by faculty
• Mock oral board exams to prepare for certification
• Robotic surgery training, which offers credentials for clinical practice

This multifaceted approach ensures that fellows are well-prepared for both the academic and practical aspects of their specialty 4.

Research Opportunities

The program places a significant emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to engage in scholarly activities. Each fellow is expected to:

• Participate in quarterly research meetings to discuss ongoing projects
• Submit at least two manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals
• Collaborate with departmental experts in clinical study design and scientific writing

Such initiatives are designed to foster an environment where research becomes integral to a fellow's professional development in the field of cardiothoracic surgery 5.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Eligibility for the Thoracic Surgery (Independent) Fellowship requires the completion of five years of an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency. The application process is competitive, and candidates must apply through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). International graduates are encouraged to contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for accreditation information and to secure a J-1 visa for the program. The fellowship committee actively reviews applications, and personal interviews are an essential component of the selection process 2.

Visa Support

The program is capable of sponsoring a J-1 visa for international medical graduates. It is crucial for these candidates to ensure they meet all necessary requirements for application. This also includes fulfilling the criteria set forth by the Texas Medical Board for obtaining an Institutional Permit.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is recognized as highly competitive, particularly due to its robust training environment and the prestige associated with its affiliating institutions. The program actively reviews applications from both U.S. medical graduates and international medical graduates while maintaining a standard of excellence in candidates selected.