University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program

The Neurological Surgery Residency Program at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX provides a comprehensive seven-year training program for aspiring neurosurgeons. The first year involves immersion into neurosurgery and neurocritical care. Approximately 40 candidates are interviewed from nearly 300 applications each year, with two to three residents selected. The program aims to offer strong clinical training and foster good judgment both in and out of the operating room, with an emphasis on patient-centered care and technical training. Residents have the opportunity to pursue a Discovery Year in their PGY4 year for in-depth research or other academic interests.

The program's early years focus on mastering patient and critical care skills, while the later years involve senior and chief resident rotations at various hospitals, tailoring experiences to individual needs. Specialized skills are developed during the Discovery Year, and teaching and leadership skills are honed in the senior and chief years. Residents are also encouraged to be actively involved in ongoing clinical or basic science research.

The residents have diverse backgrounds and interests, with opportunities to pursue careers in various subfields of neurosurgery. The diverse experiences offered aim to enhance the overall training experience and prepare residents for their future careers.

The application for the program includes submitting a curriculum vitae, ECFMG Certificate (if applicable), letters of recommendation, medical school transcript and diploma/certificate, personal statement, USMLE Steps I and II, and for IMGs, a J-1 visa sponsored by ECFMG or permanent residency. The program does not sponsor H-1 visas.

The program provides an extensive range of conferences, including Chairman's Conference, Journal club, Visiting Professor Conference, Approach Courses, and Rotation Specific Conferences, offering residents a well-rounded educational experience.

Residents salaries range from $63,900 for PGY1 to $86,866 for PGY8 and include benefits such as vacation time, hospitalization insurance, and a disability plan. The supervision policies for clinical rotations emphasize direct faculty supervision, procedures under faculty guidance, and immediate faculty availability for consultations.

Research opportunities are abundant, with residents actively engaged in scholarly activities supported by the Department of Neurological Surgery, the O'Donnell Brain Institute, and external funding sources. The program encourages participation in research activities, including presenting scholarly work at Neurosurgery Research Day and offering a research track for aspiring neurosurgeon-scientists. Residents are provided with dedicated mentorship, research guidance, and opportunities for collaboration.

UT Southwestern’s Neurological Surgery Residency Program provides a comprehensive and rigorous training environment for aspiring neurosurgeons seeking to develop into competent and compassionate clinicians and academics.