University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals Program
Location:
Galveston, TXSpecialty:
Micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncologyACGME Code:
0814808045The University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals Program provides a specialized fellowship in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology, specifically focused on equipping fellows with advanced skills in Mohs micrographic surgery and skin cancer management. The program is a one-year fellowship designed for only one new trainee annually and is fully accredited by the ACGME, ensuring a high standard of clinical education and training.
Fellows are integrated into the Department of Dermatology, where they have opportunities to attend various clinical conferences, participate in teaching sessions for dermatology and plastic surgery residents, and act as consultants for both residents and faculty. Such a comprehensive involvement offers a valuable hands-on experience in the field of dermatologic oncology.
Curriculum and Rotations
The core focus of the fellowship revolves around the diagnosis and management of skin cancer, emphasizing Mohs micrographic surgery and subsequent wound reconstruction. Throughout their training, fellows rotate with distinguished Mohs faculty, including the fellowship director. This includes significant collaboration with leaders in the field such as Dr. Richard Wagner and Dr. Frank Winsett, allowing fellows to gain diverse insights and techniques essential for surgical proficiency.
During the fellowship, each fellow is required to perform a minimum of 500 Mohs cases and 500 reconstructions, thus ensuring they are thoroughly prepared for independent practice. In addition to Mohs surgery, fellows rotate through the Cosmetic Dermatology Service and gain exposure to advanced procedures utilizing lasers, fillers, and neurotoxins, supervised by faculty such as Dr. Erica Kelly.
Research Opportunities
Research is an integral component of the fellowship experience. Each fellow must complete at least one clinical research project, subject to the approval of the fellowship director, in addition to a quality improvement project focused on enhancing practices related to Mohs surgery. This element reinforces the program's commitment to advancing dermatological science and outcomes.
Assessment and Evaluation
Formal evaluations of the fellow's progress are conducted every three months, accompanied by a biannual review from the MSDO Clinical Competency Committee. Such structured assessments ensure that fellows regularly receive constructive feedback, promoting continual learning and skill enhancement throughout the fellowship year.
Application Requirements
Applicants must hold a valid, unrestricted Texas medical license to be eligible for consideration. Moreover, they should have either completed or be near completing a 3-year ACGME-accredited residency in dermatology. All candidates are required to submit their Step scores, along with three standardized letters of recommendation from their dermatology program director, the director of Mohs surgery, and the department chair.
The fellowship begins on July 1st each year, and applications must be submitted through the San Francisco Match system by July 15th. It is important to note that moonlighting is not permitted during the fellowship to ensure full commitment to the training.
Visa Sponsorship
The program accommodates international applicants and provides visa sponsorship, ensuring that the fellowship is accessible to a diverse array of candidates. Specifically, the program is capable of sponsoring J-1 visas for international medical graduates seeking to further their training.
Competitiveness
The University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals Program is known to be highly competitive. While it does seek candidates with strong academic backgrounds, the program is considered friendly to both Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), fostering an inclusive training environment.
Website
Director
Richard F Wagner, MD, JDProfessor Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, and Otolaryngology, Fellowship Director, Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Appointed Since July 2016Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
9hrsFirst Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
6.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Galveston, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Galveston, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Galveston has a moderate crime rate. The city is generally safe, but like any urban area, petty theft and property crime can occur.
- Fun Activities: Living in Galveston offers access to beautiful beaches, water activities, historic sites, museums, and a vibrant arts scene. The city is famous for its Victorian architecture and annual Mardi Gras celebration.
- Climate: Galveston experiences a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The area is prone to hurricanes due to its location on the Gulf Coast.
- Races and Population: Galveston has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural atmosphere.
- Education: Galveston offers educational opportunities through schools like the University of Texas Medical Branch, providing a strong academic environment for residents and families.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Galveston is lower than in larger Texas cities like Houston. Housing is affordable, but the cost of insurance may be higher due to the city's proximity to the coast.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Galveston is located about 50 miles southeast of Houston, which can be reached by car in about an hour's drive. Houston offers a wider range of amenities, entertainment options, and cultural experiences.
- Pros: Beautiful beaches, rich history, diverse cultural scene, lower cost of living compared to some other Texas cities.
- Cons: Proximity to hurricane-prone areas, moderate crime rate, potential higher insurance costs.
Interview Questions
