SPINE SURGERY FELLOWSHIP

Chairman and Director
Michael H. Heggeness, M.D.
Chairman & Professor
Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Spine Faculty

Michael H. Heggeness, M.D.
Professor

Ronald W. Lindsey, M.D.
Professor

William C. Watters, M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor

Walter R. Sassard, M.D.
Clinical Associate Professor

P R O G R A M   I N F O R M A T I O N

Number of Fellows
3 Fellows, 12 months

Requirements for Acceptance to Training Program
M.D. degree, graduate from an approved Residency Program, completed Fellowship application, letter of reference from the Residency Program Director, a Texas Medical License and CPR certification. See Fellowships for list of required documents.
Rotation
Office and Hospital

Specialty
The entire spectrum of spinal problems is managed, the care being both conservative and surgical. The spine is treated from the occipant to the sacrum as well as all acute and chronic conditions affecting the spine. Surgery is performed from posterior and anterior approaches and many focuses of internal fixation devices are used.

Physical Plant
Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospital System: The Methodist Hospital, St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Texas Children's Hospital, Harris County Hospital System, Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Ancillary Activities
Veterans Affairs Medical Center Spine Clinic
Ben Taub General Hospital Spine Clinic

Conferences
Attendance is required for the following: Orthopedic Grand Rounds/Weekly, Orthopedic Journal Club/Weekly, Spine Surgery Case Conference/Weekly, and Spine Surgery Journal Club/Monthly, Anatomy sessions weekly (five times) on starting program.

Research
Clinical research project is required with submission for publication prior to completion of Fellowship.

Follow-Up Care
Private Office and Hospital Clinics.

Results Recorded
All patients, diagnosis and procedures computer coded.

Patients-Monthly
Approximately 400 per month

Surgery Monthly
35-40 major surgical procedures

Teaching Aids
Video programs, cadaver dissections, spine surgery library and will develop and provide personal slide library by photographing major surgical procedures. All equipment will be provided.

Stipend
Baylor College of Medicine Stipend Level: PGY VI.