The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC) offers a comprehensive four-year Radiology-Diagnostic residency program at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Fort Sam Houston. This program is specifically designed for active-duty members of the U.S. Military, and it emphasizes training in clinical excellence and military medicine.
Program Overview
The residency program aims to develop competent, board-eligible military Diagnostic Radiologists, capable of serving both the military and civilian populations. The San Antonio location provides a unique opportunity for residents to engage with a vast array of cases, as the program operates out of the busiest Department of Defense hospital, Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), which serves as a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Curriculum and Rotations
The program consists of 13 four-week rotations annually, allowing residents to gain exposure to various imaging services, including emergency imaging, neuroradiology, musculoskeletal imaging, and interventional radiology, among others. Potential residents will typically partake in monthly rotations while spending substantial time at BAMC and Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, with additional experiences at Texas Children’s Hospital during the first and third years to enhance pediatric imaging proficiency.
The academic curriculum comprises 7-8 hours of protected lecture time weekly, centered around not only core radiology lectures but also topics pertinent to military and patient safety, wellness, quality improvement, and professionalism. Specific lectures related to non-interpretive skills further enrich the educational experience.
Emergency Imaging Experience
One of the strengths of the program is BAMC’s role as a teleradiology hub, where residents gain hands-on experience with a high volume of both traumatic and non-traumatic imaging scenarios. Residents undertake trauma imaging interpretations, simulating real-life battlefield scenarios and preparing them for potential deployment situations.
Teaching and Mentorship
The faculty comprises a wide array of fellowship-trained experts across different subspecialties. Each resident will be paired with a faculty mentor, who offers guidance on career development, research, and personal well-being. The program encourages resident involvement in teaching medical students and participating in departmental meetings, which fosters a collaborative learning environment.
Research Opportunities and Professional Development
Residents are expected to engage in scholarly activity, aiming to complete a research project during training. The department provides support for conference attendance and funding opportunities for first authors. They also participate in quality improvement and patient safety projects, thereby integrating research directly into clinical practice.
Competitiveness and Applicant Requirements
The SAUSHEC program is known to be highly competitive, primarily accepting active-duty military physicians. Applicants should have completed their medical school education and a PGY1 internship. There are no categorical years required in the specialty, making this program well-suited for those with varied backgrounds within the military.
Visa Support
As this program is specifically for active-duty members of the U.S. military, visa sponsorship is not applicable. Hence, candidates must be current service members seeking residency training within the United States.
Well-Being Initiatives
The program puts a significant focus on the well-being of its residents through various activities and initiatives. These include wellness time, team-building events, and relaxation opportunities after demanding call schedules. Such initiatives aim to promote mental health and resilience among residents.
Application Process
Interested candidates can participate in rotations at BAMC to gain firsthand experience about the residency program. A presentation of a brief interesting case towards the end of the rotation is part of the experience, and interaction with faculty for potential interviews is encouraged. Applicants are expected to have a clear articulation of their motivations for entering the field of radiology during their interviews.
The program prepares residents thoroughly, adhering to the highest standards of graduate medical education and contributing significantly to the military's health care capabilities.
Website
Director
Michael D Wirt, MD, PhDChief Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Appointed Since September 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
-First year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
-Residents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
2330 Stanley Rd, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in JBSA Ft Sam Houston, TX
JBSA Ft Sam Houston, TX offers a unique living experience for medical residents. Here are some aspects to consider:
- Crime Rate and Safety: The area around JBSA Ft Sam Houston is generally safe, with a lower crime rate compared to other parts of San Antonio.
- Fun Activities: Residents can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and visiting nearby attractions such as the San Antonio River Walk and the historic Alamo.
- Climate: The area has a hot and humid climate, with mild winters and hot summers. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and high humidity levels.
- Races and Population: The population around JBSA Ft Sam Houston is diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities.
- Education: There are good educational opportunities in the area for families with children, including public and private schools.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in San Antonio is generally lower than in many other major cities, making it an attractive place for residents.
- Proximity to Major Cities: San Antonio is the nearest major city to JBSA Ft Sam Houston, being approximately a 15-20 minute drive away. San Antonio offers a vibrant cultural scene, a variety of dining options, and numerous entertainment venues.
Overall, living in JBSA Ft Sam Houston provides residents with a mix of safety, outdoor activities, and a lower cost of living, with the added benefit of easy access to the vibrant city of San Antonio.
Interview Questions
