During the second year, fellows devote the majority of their time to research training. They have the opportunity to work with well-funded, world-renowned mentors across basic, clinical, and translational research tracks. Mentors are available from multiple prestigious institutions, including the Baylor Diabetes Research Center, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, the Children’s Nutrition Research Center, the Baylor Department of Cell Biology, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Clinical responsibilities in the second year include continuity clinic at Harris Health’s Smith Clinic and an outpatient clinic with the fellow’s research mentor, where applicable. In addition, fellows may select from a variety of elective rotations, including female reproductive endocrinology/fertility, lipidology, adrenal and pituitary disorders, and thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA).
As part of their quality improvement training, fellows participate in the Department of Medicine Quality Academy, and they have the option to apply for the formal Certificate of Added Qualification in Healthcare Improvement (CAQHI) Program, which offers advanced training in systems-based practice and quality improvement methodology.
Fellows interested in academic careers are encouraged to apply for the Clinical Scientist Training Program, which offers options for a Certificate of Added Qualification, a Master’s degree, or a Ph.D. This program provides formal training in study design, biostatistics, and grant writing.
Those interested in developing clinician educator skills can participate in the Academy of Fellow Educators Certification Program, which offers structured training in teaching, feedback, curriculum development, and educational scholarship.
Fellows are also sponsored by the division to attend the intensive Endocrine University course, organized by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) and the American College of Endocrinology. This program includes hands-on training in bone density measurement, thyroid ultrasound and FNA, and endocrine clinical laboratory supervision.