San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Program

The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) offers a comprehensive Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program based at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. This program is geared towards well-qualified physicians who are committed to the care of newborns and understanding complex perinatal health challenges.

Program Structure

The fellowship is a structured program designed to provide advanced education, clinical experience, and research opportunities in the field of neonatal-perinatal medicine. Trainees are exposed to a variety of clinical experiences that comprise both inpatient and outpatient care, as well as participation in clinical rotations across multiple healthcare settings.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship curriculum includes extensive clinical exposure through various rotations, ensuring fellows gain experience in different aspects of neonatal care. Rotations typically occur at Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), known for its high patient volume and complexity, as well as at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center and potentially other local military and civilian institutions. Here, fellows will engage in hands-on practice managing patients with a spectrum of neonatal conditions, allowing for tailored education based on individual learning goals.

Key Rotational Components

• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): Fellows will manage critically ill neonates, developing proficiency in advanced neonatal care techniques including resuscitation, management of respiratory support, and care of infants requiring surgical interventions.
• Outpatient Clinics: Experiences in follow-up care provide insights into the developmental aspects of neonatal care and foster long-term relationships with families.
• Multidisciplinary Team Meetings: Participation in rounds leads to collaborative care approaches, essential for developing clinical judgment and communication skills.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are also required to engage in research activities throughout their training. This could include participation in existing research projects or developing original research studies. The program encourages scholarly work leading to publication, presenting at conferences, and focusing on military-specific neonatal and perinatal medicine challenges, reflecting the unique patient populations served.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship emphasizes leadership in military medicine and involves training that addresses the unique needs of service members and their families. Fellows are taught to approach patient care with a focus on evidence-based practices while promoting the optimal health of neonates and their mothers in various care environments.

Professional Development

Throughout the fellowship, mentorship is provided by experienced faculty physicians, who guide fellows in their clinical and research pursuits. This mentorship includes both formal and informal arrangements, with the goal of shaping future leaders in the field of neonatal medicine.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants for the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship must possess a valid US medical license and ABP certification eligibility in General Pediatrics. The program is competitive and emphasizes a holistic view of a candidate’s medical education and clinical experience. Additional application materials may include letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining interest in neonatal medicine.

Visa Support

The program supports international candidates and may sponsor appropriate visa types, ensuring that foreign medical graduates can also benefit from the training available at this esteemed institution.

Additional Information

SAUSHEC, being a major graduate medical education consortium under the U.S. Department of Defense, upholds a strong commitment to producing top-tier military health professionals prepared for both clinical excellence and leadership roles. The fellowship’s design reflects this mission, fostering a deep understanding of neonatal-perinatal medicine essentials within a military context.