University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Program

The Surgical Critical Care program at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School emphasizes training leaders in the field of surgery who are adept at addressing systemic challenges while providing patient-centered care. The program is designed to equip residents with comprehensive skills necessary to manage a wide range of surgical diseases effectively.

Program Overview

This Surgical Critical Care program is part of the General Surgery Residency, which offers both categorical (five-year) and preliminary (one-year) training slots. The curriculum integrates critical care medicine, trauma surgery, and emergency general surgery. Residents engage in a wide array of clinical experiences at multiple affiliated hospitals, including Dell Seton Medical Center, which is the primary training site.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of surgical specialties, organized as follows:

PGY-1 (Preliminary/Categorical)

• Acute Care Surgery
• Burn Surgery
• General Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Surgical ICU
• Transplant Surgery

During the first year, in addition to surgical rotations, residents have mandated elective and research time.

PGY-2 to PGY-5

Subsequent years (PGY-2 to PGY-5) comprise additional specialized rotations including but not limited to:

• Surgical Oncology
• Transplant Surgery
• Cardiothoracic Surgery

By the end of the training, residents will gain substantial hands-on experience managing surgical patients across various settings, leading to board eligibility in General Surgery.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research initiatives, emphasizing the importance of academic contributions to the surgical field. Residents may take optional research years after PGY-2, providing ample opportunity to explore specific academic interests or participate in clinical trials pertaining to surgical procedures.

Training Sites

Rotations are primarily conducted at Dell Seton Medical Center, a leading teaching hospital, alongside Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin and Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. These sites provide a comprehensive learning environment, exposing residents to a wide variety of surgical cases and critical care scenarios.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One notable feature of the Surgical Critical Care program is the Foundations in Care Transformation training. This framework emphasizes value-based care, health equity, and leadership within health systems science. Residents benefit from a curriculum designed to develop their competencies in managing complex surgical patients while promoting overall quality of care.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program are required to meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification before orientation.
• A passing score on the United States Medical Licensing Step 1 exam, with preferred scores of 230 or above in Step 2.
• No fails on any USMLE exam.
• Graduation from medical school within the last five years for international applicants.
• No gaps in clinical experience exceeding one year.

Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, favoring candidates with strong academic records and clinical experiences. Although there is a preference for U.S. graduates, the program is known to be friendly towards DOs and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who meet the eligibility requirements, especially those with substantial clinical experience in the U.S.

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship for eligible candidates. International medical graduates interested in applying should ensure they meet the necessary qualifications and prepare for additional components of the application process associated with their visa status.