University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Program

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship at Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, is a fully accredited program that offers advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders. This fellowship aims to equip fellows with the skills required to provide expert consultations and high-quality, patient-centered care to women 1.

Program Overview

The fellowship prepares graduates to tackle systemic health challenges while maintaining strong clinical skills. The program has been designed with a focus on creating physician leaders who are adept at both medical practice and addressing broader healthcare issues. The training incorporates collaborative strategies to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery in the community 1.

Application Process

Applications for the fellowship are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service. A single fellowship position is available annually, with a start date of August 1. Eligible candidates must have an ECFMG certification if they are international medical graduates. The program only considers J-1 visa sponsorship 3.

To submit a complete application, the following items must be included: a current CV, all USMLE score reports, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation (including one from the residency program director), and an ECFMG certificate when applicable. Furthermore, applicants must send CRN Education Council score reports via email during the application process. Selection for interviews is done by the fellowship coordinator, with interviews conducted virtually 4.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the Urogynecology Fellowship is rich in both traditional and non-traditional training methodologies, ensuring comprehensive education and hands-on experience. Fellows participate in interactive didactic learning formats that include the following components:

• Didactic Program: Weekly urogynecology pre-operative conferences with faculty, interprofessional case conferences that involve multidisciplinary staff, and grand rounds. This includes engaging discussions focused on pelvic floor disorder management 5.
• Clinical Training: Fellows engage in extensive clinical rotations with an emphasis on urogynecologic health. The clinical training spans three years with structured rotations designed to optimize fellows' technical and clinical skills 5.
• Research Component: The program offers a total of 12 months of dedicated research time integrated within the training schedule, encouraging fellows to pursue independent projects and contribute to advancements in urogynecology.

Over the span of three years, fellows will engage in progressively responsible duties in clinical management while delivering patient-centered care. Each year comprises rotations that include surgical practice, along with opportunities for specialized education in urology and colorectal surgery 5.

Training Facilities

The fellowship utilizes various training sites, all of which contribute to a comprehensive educational experience:

• Dell Seton Medical Center: As the primary teaching hospital, it serves as Austin’s only urban Level I trauma center and provides a diverse clinical environment for training fellows in gynecologic and specialty surgeries.
• Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin: This Magnet hospital focuses on high-quality obstetric and gynecologic care, contributing significantly to the fellow’s clinical training 1.
• Ascension Seton Williamson: This facility has a dedicated women’s center and offers a variety of women’s health services, facilitating hands-on learning experiences for fellows.

Competitiveness and Cohort Type

The fellowship program is highly competitive and seeks to attract the best candidates from diverse educational backgrounds, including international medical graduates. The training environment is conducive to a variety of fellows, with support for both MD and DO graduates. The emphasis on leadership and systemic change sets this program apart, preparing fellows to be not just practitioners but also innovators in their fields of expertise 3.

Salary & Benefits

Details regarding salary and benefits for fellows are updated annually and are competitive within the field, ensuring that fellows receive adequate support throughout their training period. The transparency in the compensation structure allows prospective applicants to make informed decisions regarding their fellowships 1.