San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Program

The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fellowship Program is a distinguished military training program that offers a unique two-year fellowship focusing on emergency medical services and disaster medicine. This program is located at Joint Base San Antonio—Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and is recognized for its rigorous curriculum and comprehensive training opportunities aimed at cultivating leaders in prehospital and battlefield medicine.

This fellowship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for Emergency Medical Services. It is also approved by the Texas Medical Board for its postgraduate training program.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The SAUSHEC EMS Fellowship spans two years and is divided into distinct components that ensure a robust learning experience. The first year is dedicated to training aligned with civilian partner organizations to establish a solid foundation in emergency medical direction. This initial year is crucial for developing essential competencies in managing emergencies in various settings, as fellows are immersed in the civilian EMS system.

During the second year, fellows engage in a predominantly military-focused curriculum, which incorporates disaster response and military system training. This year includes approximately 60% rotations with civilian partners and 40% military rotations within Joint Base San Antonio. The second year is designed to refine fellows' skills further, preparing them for high-stakes environments, including military operations and humanitarian missions.

Dedicated Training Activities

Throughout the fellowship, fellows participate in Grand Rounds, which are conducted every Tuesday morning, structured to enhance learning around core emergency medicine content, specifically tailored for the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) qualifying exam. Fellows also engage in monthly journal clubs to discuss current developments in prehospital medicine.

Rotation and Research Opportunities

Each fellow is required to complete two research projects during their time in the program, focusing on significant contributions to original research topics. Current research inquiries may include advanced procedures and mobile integrated health initiatives among others. Fellows are encouraged to seek leadership roles within these research projects and participate in quality improvement processes within both prehospital and hospital settings.

Teaching and Mentorship

Fellows are expected to take on teaching roles early during their training, offering didactic sessions and hands-on training to emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Through these opportunities, fellows develop their teaching abilities while also reinforcing their own knowledge and skills in emergency medical care.

The program emphasizes mentorship, wherein fellows are encouraged to connect with faculty members with similar interests and career aspirations. In the second year, fellows may serve as deputy medical directors, gaining hands-on leadership experience in real-world settings.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

As a military program, the SAUSHEC EMS Fellowship accepts only active-duty members of the U.S. military. The program does not cater to international medical graduates or foreign applicants and consequently does not offer visa sponsorship. However, it provides substantial training for qualified military medical personnel seeking advancement in their careers within the Department of Defense.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The SAUSHEC EMS Fellowship program is competitive, aimed at developing highly skilled physician leaders in emergency medical services. Prospective applicants must have completed medical school and an Emergency Medicine residency, with no categorical year in specialty required for application. It is pivotal for applicants to exhibit a strong commitment to military service and emergency medicine.

Well-Being Initiatives

The fellowship includes offerings that promote well-being among fellows by maximizing personal time and reducing the demand for evening and weekend obligations. Fellows are encouraged to participate in wellness committees and are given opportunities to engage in off-duty activities designed to foster camaraderie among fellows and faculty.