University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Program

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is a well-established two-year fellowship that provides an in-depth training experience. This program is recognized among the 116 accredited programs by the Residency Review Committee. Applicants to the fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency or be enrolled in an Early Specialization program, which integrates training in both general and vascular surgery over six years for board certification in both specialties.

The curriculum aims to cover a comprehensive range of surgical procedures, equipping fellows with the expertise needed to handle traditional and complex open and endovascular surgeries. The fellows are expected to complete over 1,100 cases during their training, which includes more than 700 major vascular procedures, ensuring that they have both breadth and depth of experience in vascular surgery.

Training Sites

Fellows rotate through various premier facilities, including:

• William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital: A 460-bed facility featuring 72 ICU beds and 24 surgical suites.
• Parkland Hospital: An 862-bed hospital known for its innovative healing concepts and quality assurance measures.
• Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center: The second busiest VA medical center in the U.S., offering a unique opportunity to treat a diverse patient population.

All these sites also host ICAVL accredited Vascular Labs, further enhancing the clinical training environment.

Program Structure

The structure of the fellowship involves a combination of clinical responsibilities and educational opportunities. Fellows take primacy in patient care during weekdays and share weekend and night call duties, averaging one-in-three call shifts. They also play a significant role in supervising general surgery residents and medical students, which is pivotal for their teaching experience.

Furthermore, each fellow allocates approximately one day per week to outpatient clinics, providing essential services and fostering continuity of care.

Curriculum and Aims

The fellowship’s curriculum is designed to facilitate comprehensive knowledge and skill development in the management of vascular diseases across all demographics and socioeconomic statuses. Key objectives include educating fellows in both operative and non-operative care and exposing them to innovative surgical techniques that enhance their competitive edge in the field.

Professionalism and Testing

Fellows are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism in interactions with patients, colleagues, and ancillary staff members. This includes maintaining accurate medical records and adhering to duty hour regulations.

During their two years, fellows will participate in the Vascular Surgery In-Training Examination (VSITE). They must achieve a passing score on this assessment to avoid potential academic probation. Additionally, passing the ARDMS registry examination for Physician Vascular Interpretation (RPVI) is a prerequisite for sitting for the Vascular Surgery Certifying Board Exam, which fellows are expected to complete in the second year of training.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates. Specifically, the program can sponsor J-1 visas for relevant fellowship purposes, facilitating the training of qualified non-U.S. citizens.

Application Process

All applications for the fellowship should be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Required documents include a USMLE transcript, ABSITE scores, three letters of recommendation (including one from the current program director of the general surgery residency), and a personal statement outlining individual goals. The program is highly competitive, reflecting its commitment to selecting candidates with exemplary qualifications.

Research Opportunities

In addition to clinical training, the program emphasizes the importance of research. Fellows actively engage in research activities to foster a deeper understanding of vascular disease and contribute to the advancement of the field.

Overall, this two-year fellowship offers a robust training experience in vascular surgery, preparing graduates to become leaders in both academic and community practices.