About the Program
The Cardiac Transplant Surgery Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine (TMB #503-48-05-46) is a one-year, Texas Medical Board approved program. This is a one year program, with the option of an additional year at the discretion of the faculty. This fellowship offers a unique experience involving the latest advances in the surgical treatment of patients suffering from severe heart failure. In addition to being one of the leading cardiac centers in regards to volume and outcomes related to cardiac transplantation, physicians at the Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center have amassed the largest experience in the development and use of ventricular assist devices (VADs) to help patients suffering from this mortal disease.
Program Objectives
Through didactic and clinical instruction, upon completion of the program the fellow will be able to accurately describe indications for LVAD therapy. To ensure completion of these goals, the trainee will work side by side with Program Director, Dr. Kenneth Liao, and our transplant surgeons. They will be able to successfully and thoroughly present potential patients to the Medical Review Board for transplant approval as well as present patients at the regularly scheduled transplant M&M conference. Trainees will become an integral part of the healthcare team, be supervised by senior surgeons, and gain the confidence and skills required to be successful in this specific subspecialty of training. See a list of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Circulatory Support faculty.
The Cardiac Transplant Surgery Fellowship program, which was initiated over 20 years ago, provides excellent first-hand access to the most current information in this quickly evolving chapter in the surgical treatment of heart failure patients. Residents and practicing surgeons who have completed their General Surgery and/or Thoracic Surgery training and desire further training in transplant surgery will be eligible to apply to our program.
For more information contact the Surgery Education office at 713-798-6078 or email thoracicsurgerytraining@bcm.edu.
Admissions and Benefits
Fellows will be recruited on a yearly basis. Once the applications are received, a fellowship committee chaired by Dr. Kenneth Liao will review the applications for potential candidates who meet the requirement for appointment to the Cardiac Transplant Surgery Fellowship program.
These candidates' credentials will be verified, recommendations will be obtained, and appropriate applicants may be invited to interview for the training program. Fellows will be selected in early spring.
The following items are required for the application to the Cardiac Transplant Surgery Fellowship:
- A completed Baylor College of Medicine House Staff Application
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three passport sized photographs
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members
Letters should be addressed to:
Kenneth K. Liao, MD
Professor and Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Circulatory Support
Program Director, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Fellowship
Baylor College of Medicine
One Baylor Plaza, BCM 390
Houston, TX 77030
- USMLE 1, 2, and 3 board scores
- American Board of Surgery In-Training (ABSITE) exams
- Medical school diploma in its original language, as well as in English, copied and notarized stating that it is a true copy of the original
- Medical school transcript in its original language, as well as in English, copied ant notarized, stating that it is a true copy of the original
- Dean’s verification of pending or past graduation
- ECFMG certificate if a foreign medical graduate (copied and notarized)
International graduates will need to contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates for information regarding the process of paperwork for students and graduates of foreign medical schools. Baylor College of Medicine requires international medical graduates to meet the requirements for an Institutional Permit, as outlined by the Texas Medical Board, and the documents necessary for a J-1 Visa.
Submit application material to our program coordinator:
Ashli Hall
Senior Program Coordinator, Cardiac Transplant Surgery Fellowship Program
Baylor College of Medicine
One Baylor Plaza, BCM 390
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 713-798-6078
Fax: 713-798-8941
Email: thoracicsurgerytraining@bcm.edu
View stipends and benefit information on the Baylor College of Medicine’s graduate medical education website. Stipend levels are at the national average, but Houston's cost of living ranks among the lowest of metropolitan areas in the United States.
Maintaining your physical and emotional wellness is a prerequisite to professional success. Our residents have access to a number of programs to support their well-being. View wellness resources.
Information about vacation and leave of absences is available on the graduate medical education website.
Heart Transplantation: Why Choose Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Kenneth K. Liao discusses heart transplantation at Baylor College of Medicine.