University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program
Location:
Dallas, TXSpecialty:
Hand surgery (Plastic surgery)ACGME Code:
3634821004Hand Surgery Fellowship Overview
The ACGME-accredited Hand Surgery Fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas aims to prepare individuals for a knowledgeable career focusing on both adult and pediatric hand and wrist surgery. Fellows benefit from comprehensive training that includes establishing leadership, education, and research skills necessary for specialized practice in the field.
1Faculty Composition
The program is a collaborative effort between the Departments of Plastic Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery, with a diverse faculty consisting of experts from both fields. This multidisciplinary setup enhances the educational experience of the fellows, allowing ample opportunities for exposure to various surgical methodologies and philosophies.
1Training Institutions
Fellows rotate through several key institutions, such as UT Southwestern University Hospitals, Parkland Health, Children’s Health℠, the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Scottish Rite for Children. Each site offers unique patient demographics and surgical cases, enhancing the fellows' exposure to a broad spectrum of hand and wrist pathology.
1Educational Structure
The fellowship includes structured didactic sessions held bi-weekly focused on hand surgery. Noteworthy sessions include:
- Hand Indications Conference: A case-based discussion concerning upcoming surgical interventions occurs every Tuesday morning.
- Formal Hand Conference: Traditional teaching lectures covering basic to complex topics on Thursday mornings, which includes peer-led discussions and guest presentations on the business aspects of hand surgery.
Additionally, fellows engage in quarterly Morbidity & Mortality conferences and journal reviews to stay abreast of the latest medical literature, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
1Clinical Exposure and Case Volume
The diversity in clinical settings enables fellows to handle various conditions, including:
- Reconstructive surgeries for hand, wrist, and forearm
- Management of degenerative diseases and autoimmune disorders
- Acute trauma, brachial plexus injuries, and replantation surgeries
- Congenital hand anomalies and pediatric cases
Fellows manage approximately 750 cases per year, engaging actively in procedures with a load of 12 to 20 cases weekly, providing extensive hands-on surgical experience.
1Rotation Schedule
The fellowship consists of alternating three-month rotations between Parkland Memorial Hospital and the UT Southwestern/Children's/VA services. Each fellow will rotate through each service twice and complete a dedicated six-week congenital hand surgery rotation at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, thus enriching their specialized training.
1Call Schedule
On-call responsibilities are structured to ensure educational value while minimizing burden. Fellows typically take one-week shifts, supported by senior and junior residents, ensuring that educational opportunities are maximized while ensuring patient care continuity.
1International Graduates and Visa Support
The program welcomes applicants who are international medical graduates and offers sponsorship for J-1 visas, facilitating the global exchange of medical knowledge and practices within the fellowship framework. All international applicants must comply with the capability to obtain the appropriate permitting through the Texas Medical Board.
1Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The Hand Surgery Fellowship is competitive, attracting numerous applicants, including tailored opportunities for DOs and IMGs. Specific application requirements include completion of a prior ACGME-accredited residency program in plastic or orthopedic surgery and submission of personal statements, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation from faculty. There are no maximum limits regarding the number of failed STEP exams, but demonstrating a strong commitment to hand surgery is vital.
1Website
Director
Douglas M Sammer, MDProgram Director Appointed Since December 2011Coordinator
Program
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Quality of Life
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Admission
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-Location
Dallas, TX
Housing - Rental Prices
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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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