University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Program
Location:
Houston, TXSpecialty:
Sleep medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5204814119The Sleep Medicine Fellowship program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, specifically under McGovern Medical School, is designed to prepare trainees for a successful career in the field of sleep medicine. The primary objective is to graduate well-rounded sleep specialists equipped to manage diverse sleep disorders in both adult and pediatric populations.
This one-year fellowship offers two positions annually and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), meeting the necessary requirements for sleep medicine certification from relevant subspecialty boards. 1
Curriculum Overview
The comprehensive curriculum addresses both the theoretical and practical aspects of sleep medicine. It includes foundational training in polysomnography and its interpretation, sleep disorders mechanisms, and treatment options. Education is delivered through a blend of didactic and hands-on experiences, including:
- Basics of polysomnography, including scoring rules for adult and pediatric patients.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: diagnosis, treatment options like CPAP, and advanced non-PAP treatments.
- Pediatric sleep medicine, encompassing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and conditions specific to children.
- Neuropsychological aspects of sleep including seizures, REM behavior disorders, and their intersection with psychiatric disorders.
This multi-faceted curriculum is reinforced with extensive practical training in accredited sleep laboratories associated with various institutions, and enriched through core conferences and a review conference dedicated to board preparation. 5
Clinical Rotations
Fellows will undergo rotations at several prominent institutions within the Texas Medical Center:
- Memorial Hermann Hospital: The primary training site where fellows are immersed in comprehensive sleep medicine practice, handling diverse patient demographics and complex cases. Supervised learning, particularly during the initial month, emphasizes polysomnography interpretation and sleep pathology management.
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: A renowned facility focusing on sleep disorders in oncology patients, fellows will engage in evaluating and managing treatment impacts on sleep disturbances.
- TIRR Memorial Hermann Rehabilitation Hospital: Here, fellows will treat patients with concurrent neurologic disorders, exploring the intersection of sleep medicine and rehabilitation.
- Smith Clinic: A county hospital rotation providing exposure to a unique patient population with advanced disease states seeking sleep disorder management.
The program is designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to engage with various specialties, enhancing the breadth of learning and patient care experiences. 6
Conferences and Educational Activities
Weekly core curriculum conferences, monthly journal clubs, and case discussions are integral to the fellowship. Participants are encouraged to present research and partake in educational activities that deepen their competence in sleep medicine and keep pace with evolving methodologies and technologies in the field.
The program also accommodates generous opportunities for research initiatives, enabling fellows to contribute to academic literature and clinical findings. 4
Application Process
The fellowship accepts applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must hold degrees in qualifying fields such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Pulmonary & Critical Care, Neurology, Anesthesiology, Psychiatry, or Otorhinolaryngology. Required application documents include:
- Medical school transcript
- Valid ECFMG Certificate (if applicable)
- Dean’s Letter
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Visa status (only J1 Visas are supported by the program)
Interviews are conducted by invitation only, scheduled from mid-July to early October. The application deadline is August 31 annually. 3
Visa Support
The program offers support for J1 Visa sponsorship, which accommodates international medical graduates. This sponsorship enables eligible candidates to obtain the necessary visa for their training period in the U.S. The program encourages interest from candidates of all backgrounds, making it a friendly place for DO and IMG candidates. 7
Fellowship Life
Living in Houston presents a multitude of lifestyle benefits. As America’s fourth-largest city, Houston combines a youthful spirit with cultural diversity, offering numerous recreational and social opportunities. The fellowship culture promotes physician well-being, collegial relationships, and participation in annual conferences that enrich both professional development and personal growth. 8
Competitiveness and Special Requirements
The fellowship is considered competitive, welcoming applicants who can demonstrate precision in their clinical training and knowledge. While there are no specific restrictions concerning STEP exam failures, a general benchmark of academic performance and comprehensive training in eligible specialties is essential.
Website
Director
Ruckshanda Majid, MDAssociate Professor of Medicine Appointed Since July 2014Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$74,888First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Houston, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Houston, TX
Houston, TX, is a diverse and vibrant city with a lot to offer. Here is some information to consider:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Houston is a big city with varying neighborhoods. It's always advisable to research specific areas for safety ratings before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Houston offers a wide range of cultural attractions, restaurants, parks, and museums. The city is also known for its sports teams and outdoor activities.
- Climate: Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels.
- Races and Population: Houston's population is very diverse, with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural landscape.
- Education: Houston has several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for learning and research.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Houston is generally lower than in many other major U.S. cities. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Houston is relatively close to other major cities like Austin (about 2.5 to 3 hours by car) and San Antonio (about 3 to 3.5 hours by car). Both cities offer their own unique attractions and are great for weekend getaways.
Overall, living in Houston can offer a mix of urban amenities, cultural experiences, and diverse communities. However, it's essential to consider factors like safety, weather, and specific living costs before making a decision.
Interview Questions
