University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Program

The Cardiovascular and Thoracic Fellowship at McGovern Medical School, part of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, offers a comprehensive one-year training program designed to provide fellows with extensive clinical exposure to complex aortic, cardiac, valvular, transplant, thoracic, vascular, and endovascular surgery. The program is characterized by its affiliations with two primary training sites: Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, both of which are renowned for their exceptional faculty and clinical environments.

Since its inception in 2001, the program has expanded to four ACGME-accredited fellowship positions annually, ensuring an intimate learning environment while maintaining rigorous clinical standards. Fellows are expected to engage in a variety of hands-on experiences that reinforce their anesthesiology competencies, particularly in cardiovascular and thoracic procedures.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship curriculum integrates clinical practice with didactic learning. Fellowship training includes direct involvement in all heart surgeries, with a specific focus on intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Each surgery performed receives a TEE examination, allowing fellows to surpass the National Board of Echocardiography's requirements for Diplomate status. Fellows will also prepare for the Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Exam upon program completion, solidifying their expertise in this critical area.

Rotation Sites

Fellows will spend six months at Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute-Texas Medical Center (HVI) and another six months at Houston Methodist Fondren Brown operating rooms. The time at HVI includes four months dedicated to adult cardiovascular procedures, one month in the Echo lab, and one month of pediatric cardiovascular experience. Meanwhile, at Houston Methodist, fellows will undertake four months of adult cardiovascular, one month focusing on intraoperative echos, and one month in the cardiovascular ICU. This diverse exposure is designed to equip fellows with a well-rounded skill set suitable for a variety of clinical environments.

Didactics and Educational Opportunities

In support of their clinical training, fellows participate in structured educational activities, including weekly Grand Rounds, echo lectures, and bimonthly journal clubs held off-campus. These didactic components foster an environment of continuous learning and professional development. Additional financial support is available for fellows attending national conferences such as the SCA Annual Meeting and SCA Echo Week, providing opportunities to present research and network with peers in the field.

Research Component

The fellowship promotes an active research culture, encouraging fellows to engage in ongoing projects related to renal protection, blood conservation, neuroprotection mechanisms, and regional anesthesia for vascular surgeries. This research orientation not only enhances the fellows' clinical training but also allows them to contribute to the advancement of anesthesiology practices.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship is highly competitive, making it important for applicants to have a strong academic record and relevant clinical experiences. The program supports both DO and IMG applicants, nurturing a diverse group of fellows. Additional application considerations include a maximum of one failed STEP exam and specific requirements regarding graduation from medical school.

The fellowship also provides visa sponsorship for eligible applicants, including H-1B visas, which allows international medical graduates to participate in the program without immigration concerns, ensuring a diverse and rich educational environment.

Fellow Activities

Fellows are encouraged to involve themselves in various professional development activities, including participation in departmental committees and educational sessions. They also have opportunities to mentor residents and contribute to teaching activities within the department, further enhancing their leadership and educational experience.