University of Texas Medical Branch Hospitals/Driscoll Children’s Hospital Program
Location:
Galveston, TXSpecialty:
Pediatric surgeryACGME Code:
4454844043The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) offers a comprehensive Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program in partnership with Driscoll Children’s Hospital (DCH). This ACGME-accredited fellowship, established in 2020, aims to develop proficient pediatric surgeons through a detailed training regimen that includes both clinical experience and educational opportunities.
Program Overview
The fellowship spans two years, divided between the DCH site in Corpus Christi and the UTMB site in Galveston. The first year allows fellows to gain significant clinical exposure, working within various subspecialties and accessing a wide variety of surgical cases. The second year focuses on advanced training at UTMB, where fellows refine their surgical skills and begin to shape their clinical practices. Each fellow partakes in a diverse range of surgical cases, developing the capability to manage both common and complex pediatric conditions.
1Curriculum and Rotations
During the fellowship, the educational framework incorporates hands-on surgical training, participation in multidisciplinary team discussions, and extensive clinical exposure. Key rotations include:
- General Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery (one-month rotation)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (one-month rotation)
- Pediatric Intensive Care at Shriners Hospital (one-month rotation)
- Anesthesiology (one-month rotation)
This structured approach ensures fellows receive a well-rounded education, allowing them to adapt to the complexities of pediatric surgical practice.
2Educational Conferences
Educational initiatives are integral to the fellowship experience. Regular conferences are held to promote learning and collaboration among fellows and faculty. These include:
- Joint Fellows Didactic Conference
- Pediatric Surgery Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Conference
- Radiology and Pathology Conference
- Grand Rounds
Such conferences are held both in person and virtually, facilitating access to key educational resources and discussions.
3Research Opportunities
The program encourages fellows to engage in research, equipping them with skills that enhance their academic and clinical competencies. Research initiatives may include clinical outcomes in pediatric surgical care, firearm injury prevention, and methodologies aimed at understanding specific pediatric conditions. Collaborations with various academic institutions enrich the research landscape for fellows.
4Clinical Services and Case Volumes
Pediatric surgery services provided incorporate a range from routine procedures to complex surgical interventions for conditions like solid tumors and congenital anomalies. With a commitment to delivering high-quality care, the program involves comprehensive treatment strategies in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
5Application Requirements
To apply to the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship, candidates must hold a Doctor of Medicine degree and have completed a chief residency in an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency. Additional prerequisites include:
- Eligibility for the American Board of Surgery qualifying examination
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), requiring a curriculum vitae, personal statement, and at least three letters of recommendation.
6Visa Support
The UTMB Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa support for qualified applicants, including sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas.
7Fellow Salaries and Benefits
Fellows are compensated with a competitive salary aligned with institutional standards for house staff. Additionally, benefits include:
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Paid vacation (three weeks annually)
- Support for necessary courses and licensure
- Access to the Moody Medical Library
- Parking and meal allowances
These benefits support the fellows' professional growth and well-being throughout the program.
8Competitiveness and Selection Criteria
The fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants from various backgrounds. It emphasizes both clinical excellence and research aptitude, ensuring a rigorous selection process.
9Unique Aspects of the Program
The fellowship uniquely integrates clinical training and large patient volumes across its two sites, catering to fellows' broad educational experiences. Furthermore, faculty members are actively involved in national surgical organizations, providing fellows with various networking and mentorship opportunities.
10Website
Director
Ravi S Radhakrishnan, MD, MBAProgram Director Appointed Since August 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
70hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$73,373First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
5Location
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.
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