University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Program
Location:
Houston, TXSpecialty:
Spinal cord injury medicineACGME Code:
3454821009The Spinal Cord Injury Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is recognized as a leader in the field of spinal cord rehabilitation. This program prides itself on being the oldest in the department and serves as the cornerstone for comprehensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation services for patients with recent or chronic spinal cord injuries and diseases.
Program Overview
Comprehensive rehabilitation services are provided in both inpatient and outpatient settings, focusing on achieving high-performance goals related to physical recovery and education for patients and families. The program aims to enhance the independence and overall well-being of individuals with spinal cord injuries through targeted rehabilitative care.
1Clinical Objectives and Innovations
Among the key objectives of the program is the development of the Spinal Cord Outpatient Annual Evaluation Services. This initiative includes a multidisciplinary team tasked with conducting comprehensive annual evaluations for former patients and initial assessments for new referrals. Additionally, the program is working towards creating an interdisciplinary rehabilitation model, tentatively called the SCI day hospital, designed to help patients achieve higher outcome goals while residing at home, thereby reducing the length of inpatient stays and overall costs.
1Specialized Services Available
The Spinal Cord Injury Program provides specialized services, including in-house urology consultations, spasticity management (administering nerve blocks and Baclofen® pumps), a male fertility clinic, and innovative wound management approaches. TIRR Memorial Hermann is particularly noted for its proficiency in managing tetraplegic spinal cord injury patients who need ventilatory support, with advancements that enable some patients to wean from ventilators or to utilize electrophrenic stimulation for breathing.
1Training and Rotations
The program offers a comprehensive training experience for medical residents and fellows. Trainees gain hands-on experience within a multidisciplinary team setting, working alongside experts in spinal cord injury rehabilitation. The clinical rotations encompass various aspects of spinal cord injury management, allowing trainees to develop a broad understanding of the complexities associated with such injuries.
1Research Opportunities
Research is an integral part of the Spinal Cord Injury Program. The program is involved in cutting-edge research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with spinal cord injuries. This may involve exploring technological innovations to enhance patient independence and quality of life, as well as investigating funding mechanisms to support advancements in rehabilitation technology.
1Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Spinal Cord Injury Medicine fellowship program is competitive and strives to attract the most qualified candidates. It is generally considered friendly to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG programs. Special application requirements may include specific years since graduation from medical school, and guidelines on maximum failed examinations in the USMLE series.
1Visa Sponsorship
The program offers visa support for international medical graduates. It can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa types, allowing qualified candidates from abroad to apply for participation in the program.
1Clinical Facilities
The Spinal Cord Injury Program operates primarily at the TIRR Memorial Hermann, which is equipped with specialized facilities designed for treating severe spinal cord injuries. This facility has garnered international recognition for excellence in patient management and research, making it a prime training site for aspiring specialists in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
1Conclusion
With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary rehabilitation, innovative treatment models, and research, the Spinal Cord Injury Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston presents a robust training platform for aspiring healthcare professionals interested in spinal cord medicine.
1Website
Director
Isaac Hernandez Jimenez, MDProgram Director and Associate Professor Appointed Since June 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
16hrsFirst Year Salary:
$78,540First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.5XResidents 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.
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