University of Tennessee Program

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis is dedicated to advancing the health and welfare of infants, children, and adolescents through a combination of evidence-based clinical care, innovative research, and educational initiatives. The program emphasizes comprehensive, family-centered care with a range of specialized services, including addressing complex fetal anomalies, managing rare vascular anomalies, and promoting healthy lifestyles among children.

The fellowship program is ACGME accredited and aims to train pediatric surgeons equipped with the most advanced skills and knowledge in the field. This fellowship was established in 1991 and has a significant reputation for excellence within the medical community.

Training Environment and Rotations

The primary site for training is Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, which is a recognized leader in pediatric trauma care and surgical services. The hospital's Level I Pediatric Trauma Program has set a high standard, having been verified by the American College of Surgeons. Through this program, fellows are exposed to a wide variety of cases to prepare them for the complexities of pediatric surgery. 1

Fellows also participate in training at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where they gain experience in cutting-edge pediatric surgical techniques. This partnership enhances the training quality by integrating advanced research opportunities into the clinical framework. The program graduates one pediatric surgery fellow each year, ensuring focused and individualized training.

Pediatric Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Additionally, the program offers a specialized Pediatric Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, which trains one fellow per year. This component of the program is one of the few in the United States dedicated to critical care for the most severely ill and injured pediatric patients. Fellows are taught how to provide comprehensive care in high-stakes environments, thus preparing them for careers in both surgical and intensive care settings.1

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant focus at UTHSC, particularly through the Children’s Foundation Research Institute. This collaboration equips faculty and fellows with tools essential for pursuing innovative research aimed at improving surgical outcomes for children. The commitment to groundbreaking research complements the clinical training, fostering an environment where knowledge is continuously expanded and applied in a practical setting.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship program is competitive and seeks candidates who embody strong academic and clinical training backgrounds. Consideration is typically given to individuals who have completed their general surgery residency training and are committed to pursuing a career in pediatric surgery. Therefore, applicants are expected to demonstrate exemplary performance in the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and may have specific application requirements, including a limit on the number of failed attempts. Detailed application prerequisites and eligibility criteria are typically specified and should be reviewed thoroughly by prospective applicants.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides support for various visa types, including J-1 visas for international medical graduates. This aspect of the program is crucial for attracting a diverse pool of candidates from different backgrounds, enriching the educational experience and cultural diversity within the fellowship cohort.1

Unique Aspects

In addition to the robust clinical training and research opportunities, the program emphasizes teamwork and collaboration among residents, fellows, and faculty. This creates a dynamic learning environment where fellows are encouraged to actively engage, ask questions, and participate in discussions related to complex surgical cases. The commitment to teaching and mentorship from the faculty further enhances the fellowship experience, ensuring that each fellow receives tailored guidance throughout their training journey.1