University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology Program
Location:
Dallas, TXSpecialty:
Selective pathologyACGME Code:
3014830096The Gastrointestinal and Liver Pathology Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center offers a focused subspecialty service dedicated exclusively to gastrointestinal (GI) and liver pathology. The program is part of a larger pathology department, providing comprehensive services that cover a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders.
The program is staffed by a team of five GI pathologists who collectively manage over 25,000 GI and liver pathology cases annually. This includes surgical pathology diagnoses related to disorders of the GI tract, pancreas, and liver, with a strong focus on transplantation pathology and native liver disease. The program prides itself on delivering expert diagnoses paired with an emphasis on rapid turnaround times for pathology reports, ensuring that patient care is prioritized.
Turnaround Times
For routine cases, the turnaround time for biopsies is typically between 24 to 48 hours. Operative resection specimens follow a slightly longer timeframe, usually requiring 3 to 5 days for report generation. In addition to these quick turnaround times, pathologists maintain a practice of delivering reports and making phone calls for any unusual diagnoses as part of their service standards.
Educational Opportunities
In addition to clinical responsibilities, the program incorporates a robust educational component for pathology residents and GI pathology fellows. Pathologists in the program actively participate in research initiatives and frequently attend and present at various intra- and interdepartmental conferences. This engagement contributes to the academic environment of the program, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Research Engagement
Fellows within the program will have opportunities to engage in clinical and translational research projects. The fellowship mandates a dedicated research time of two weeks free from usual clinical responsibilities, thereby allowing fellows to focus on the completion of their research projects. This not only enhances the academic experience but also allows fellows to contribute meaningfully to ongoing research endeavors within the division.
Program Strengths
UT Southwestern Medical Center is distinguished by its long-established interest in diseases affecting the gastrointestinal system, liver, biliary tract, and pancreas. The facility houses an outstanding liver center and a section of digestive diseases that offers unparalleled resources for learning and professional development.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program provides support for international trainees, offering sponsorship for H-1B and J-1 visas. This support ensures that qualified candidates from around the globe can apply without facing significant barriers related to visa acquisition. The program is known to be highly competitive, welcoming candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds, as well as international medical graduates.
Application Requirements
Applicants to the fellowship program must be aware of specific application requirements, which may include the year of graduation and stipulations regarding prior exam attempts. It is strongly advised that candidates have a solid foundation in pathology with an emphasis on the GI and liver disciplines, as this will enhance their application strength.
Website
Director
Purva Gopal, MD, MSAssociate Professor, Program Director Appointed Since July 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$64,098First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
3Location
Dallas, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Dallas, TX
- Crime Rate and Safety: Dallas has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. It's essential to research the specific area where you plan to live to ensure safety.
- Fun Activities: Dallas offers a diverse range of activities such as museums, parks, sports events, vibrant nightlife, and delicious dining options.
- Climate: Dallas has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity during summer months.
- Races and Population: Dallas is a diverse city with a significant population of Hispanic, African American, and White residents.
- Education: Dallas is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities to residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Dallas is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Dallas is approximately a 4-hour drive from Houston and a 3-hour drive from Austin. Both cities offer unique cultural experiences and amenities.
- Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, diverse population, affordable cost of living.
- Cons: Traffic congestion, humid summers, safety concerns in some neighborhoods.
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