University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston provides an extensive training experience in trauma surgery, surgical critical care, and emergency general surgery. This fellowship, offered through McGovern Medical School, is structured to deliver high-level clinical education and hands-on experience, primarily at the Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center, which is noted as the busiest Level 1 trauma center in the nation according to the National Trauma Data Bank.

This program handles well over 5,000 trauma patients annually, and fellows get an opportunity to manage care in the 25-bed Shock-Trauma ICU (STICU), overseeing around 1000 patients each year under the mentorship of experienced faculty. The significant volume of trauma and surgical cases allows fellows to engage in over 600 non-orthopedic operations each year, including more than 300 laparotomies.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to develop competence in various domains. In particular, fellows will engage in:

• Trauma cases including major trauma cases allowing the fellow to gain considerable surgical experience.
• Emergency General Surgery (EGS) with exposure to a wide variety of surgical emergencies.
• Intensive Care Unit (ICU) management, ensuring comprehensive training in critical care protocols.

Training Structure

The program offers a two-year fellowship track, uniquely combining trauma and surgical critical care training. The first year focuses primarily on trauma and acute care surgery, including rotations in interventional radiology and cardiovascular surgery, and it emphasizes complex abdominal wall reconstruction and emergency medical services/prehospital trauma systems. The second year transitions into a more traditional critical care role, with fellows spending considerable time in the Shock-Trauma ICU and other related units.

Unique Opportunities

Fellows also partake in elective rotations that allow further specialization, including:

• Burn ICU
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Transplant/Surgical ICU
• Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) or Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)

Call Responsibilities

Fellows are expected to take on Trauma and/or EGS attending calls throughout their training. The call system is designed to be graduated, reflecting the fellow's growing responsibility and clinical judgement as assessed by faculty.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship program, with dedicated research months available. The program emphasizes academic development and the importance of ongoing inquiry in surgical practice.

Application Process

The application process requires participation in the NRMP Match Program, with the program ID being 2923442F0. Applications are accepted exclusively through the Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS). Additionally, candidates must hold a full Texas medical license before commencing the fellowship.

Visa Support

The program exclusively sponsors J-1 visas for international applicants, ensuring compliance with the necessary regulatory framework for foreign medical graduates.

Competitiveness

This fellowship accepts highly competitive applicants and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds, including both MD and DO graduates, as well as international medical graduates. Prospective fellows should note that previous experience that meets ACGME requirements is essential.