San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Program

The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Urology Residency Program at JBSA Fort Sam Houston offers a comprehensive five-year residency designed to create well-rounded urologists who will serve the needs of military personnel and their families. This program emphasizes a combination of clinical education, military and civilian operative experiences, and research opportunities. Residents will engage with the latest advances in urological technology and treatment, preparing them for practice in various environments, including remote and deployed settings 1.

Program Overview

The program is housed in a military medical center located in San Antonio, Texas, and is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The residency program requires applicants to be active duty members of the U.S. Military, having completed medical school graduation. The residency does not offer dedicated research years, ensuring that training is focused on clinical practice 1.

With a total of 10 approved residents per year and a categorical requirement, the program also provides opportunities for medical student rotations to help cultivate interest in urology among future physicians 1.

Curriculum and Training

Residents participate in a rigorous curriculum that includes weekly activities every Wednesday, such as preoperative case presentations, journal clubs, grand rounds, and morbidity & mortality meetings. There are designated quarterly surgical skills labs and case conferences involving the University of Texas (San Antonio) faculty 1.

Clinical rotations span multiple sites, including the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC), which is a Level 1 trauma center, along with various other hospitals and clinics in San Antonio. This diversity of settings ensures residents gain extensive hands-on experience in both urological and general surgical procedures 2.

Residents are required to participate in a call schedule typically every third or fourth night, which allows them to gain experience in a variety of clinical situations 1.

Research and Professional Development

Although there is no specific research year, residents are encouraged to engage in ongoing research initiatives led by faculty members. Senior residents are expected to submit projects to the annual tri-service Urology scientific meeting, which helps foster scholarly activity within the program 1.

Professional development is a key focus, with mentorship from faculty being a structured part of the residency. Residents are guided to participate in quality improvement projects and presentations at national conferences 1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is highly competitive, specifically designed for active-duty military personnel only. To maintain its rigorous standards, the program has strict eligibility criteria, which include being an active-duty member of the military and graduating from medical school 1.

In addition, there are no requirements related to specific STEP exam failures—applicants are evaluated on their complete academic profiles and military service records 1.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The program does not specify details about visa sponsorship on their program page. However, it generally adheres to U.S. military regulations requiring applicants to be active-duty military personnel 1. As such, international medical graduates or non-citizens typically do not qualify unless they have already established military service.

Well-Being and Lifestyle

The program emphasizes the importance of well-being among residents, fostering a balanced lifestyle through several initiatives, including monthly physical training sessions, quarterly recreational activities, and dedicated mentoring time 1. Additionally, the program includes discussions on health resources and personal wellness, aiming to reduce fatigue and promote resilience throughout residency training.

Overall, the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Urology Residency Program delivers a robust educational experience for military physicians, preparing them for various challenges within military health care settings and beyond 1.