University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program

The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine (UHM) fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is an ACGME-accredited 12-month program that aims to equip physicians with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary for subspecialty certification in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. Operating from the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, the facility is a UHMS-reaccredited (Level One with distinction) establishment, emphasizing a robust curriculum that encompasses both theoretical knowledge and clinical application.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to cover essential topics such as the physics and physiology of altered ambient pressure, dive safety protocols, clinical applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and effective evaluation and treatment of diving-related injuries and marine emergencies. The program emphasizes comprehensive training to prepare fellows for success in academic careers and collaborative practice settings in hyperbaric medicine. Notably, the fellowship adopts core educational techniques to facilitate learning, including weekly lectures, monthly journal clubs, and an annual NOAA Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine course.

Clinical Rotations and Experience

Clinical training includes rotations at key sites such as Texas Health Resources Presbyterian in Dallas and William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. These rotations offer hands-on experience in critical fields including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Diving Medicine, Wound Care, and Critical Care. As part of the program, fellows are required to complete comprehensive assessments of patients, including managing cases of decompression sickness and complications arising from hyperbaric therapy. Fellows are also expected to assess divers for fitness to dive, manage toxic gas exposures, and demonstrate competence in the indications and contraindications for hyperbaric treatments.

Research Opportunities

A vital component of the fellowship is the completion of a research project under faculty supervision. Fellows are encouraged to present their findings at national conferences or submit them for publication. Participation in center conferences and seminars, along with teaching opportunities for medical students and residents, enriches the educational environment.

Unique Program Aspects

The fellowship focuses on fostering interdisciplinary teamwork, preparing graduates to lead health care teams effectively in hyperbaric medicine. Fellows benefit from a collaborative training atmosphere, engaging with a leadership team that has deep expertise in aviation, dive medicine, anesthesia, and critical care—collectively boasting over five decades of practice.

Additional Program Features

- The clinical experience centrally features the multi-place hyperbaric chamber at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, the largest of its kind in North Texas. - Weekly formal education through lecture series reinforces clinical skills and knowledge application. - A longitudinal curriculum ensures continuity in education, while frequently scheduled journal clubs promote critical review of current literature.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The UHM fellowship is highly competitive. Applicants must have completed a residency in emergency medicine or a related field. Special attention is given to candidates from both DO and IMG backgrounds. The program anticipates the submission of three letters of reference, including one from the residency program director, and requires candidates to present their USMLE/COMLEX scores. Applicants who have had multiple failed attempts at standardized examinations may need to address these concerns directly during the selection process.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates applying to the fellowship. Specific visa types available include the J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring adequate support for non-U.S. citizens seeking to train in the fellowship.