Texas Tech University HSC El Paso Program

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso offers a three-year ACGME accredited fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. This program is designed to provide exceptional clinical training in a supportive learning environment. Fellows gain extensive exposure to a variety of disease states and pathologies, allowing them to specialize in areas of interest through subspecialty clinics and advanced bronchoscopy procedures. The program focuses on preparing internal medicine board-eligible M.D.s or D.O.s to practice competently in both pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine, adhering to high ethical standards.

The fellowship aims to equip fellows with the skills required to achieve ABIM adult pulmonary and critical care board certification. Additionally, fellows play a critical role in fulfilling the mission of Texas Tech, which prioritizes providing excellent healthcare to the El Paso community and enhancing educational initiatives for other trainees. The curriculum emphasizes respect and care for minorities and underserved populations, aiming to improve healthcare delivery in the region.

Curriculum and Rotations

The three-year fellowship includes comprehensive training across various clinical activities related to pulmonary and critical care. Fellows will rotate through different specialties within the University Medical Center and spend time at the El Paso Sleep Clinic. The core clinical training encompasses approximately 14 months of ICU rotations, 11 months of non-ICU inpatient rotations, and 6 months of electives, along with a weekly outpatient continuity clinic.

Rotations include diverse specialties such as Anesthesia, Cardiovascular ICU, Infectious Diseases Consults, Medical ICU, Nephrology, Neurology ICU, and more, offering well-rounded exposure in both critical and outpatient care settings. This structured yet flexible rotation schedule allows fellows to tailor their training according to their individual interests while participating in clinical research and educational initiatives.

Application Process and Requirements

The fellowship program participates in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). Applicants must submit their application exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key eligibility requirements include being a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, passing USMLE exams, completing an ACGME Internal Medicine Residency in the U.S. or Canada, and being ECFMG certified.

The application must include the MyERAS application, Curriculum Vitae, Medical School Transcript, MSPE, Personal Statement, Photo, Certified USMLE Transcript, ECFMG Status report, and three letters of recommendation—one each from the Residency Program Director, Department Chair, and a pulmonary and critical care faculty member.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is competitive, with two PGY-4 positions available annually. Selection is based on the applicant's qualifications and alignment with the program's educational objectives. Given its focus on equity for minorities and underserved populations, the program is particularly welcoming to diverse applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds.

Salaries and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary, the details of which for 2024-2025 can be referenced directly from the program's fellowship benefits page. The benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), professional liability and workers' compensation insurance, and generous paid time off, including four weeks of vacation, sick time, administrative, and educational leave.