Pediatric Surgery Fellowship

About the Program

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program, led by Dr. Mark V. Mazziotti, program director, is one of the top Pediatric Surgery Fellowship programs in the nation. The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program has continual, full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program accepts one resident per year. Applicants must have completed a five-year ACGME General Surgery Residency Program and be board-eligible in general surgery.

This two-year residency is exclusively at Texas Children's Hospital, the largest children's hospital in the nation. Residents are exposed to a broad array of surgical cases and work closely with residents in pediatric medicine in the care of sick children.

The first year includes two to four months of elective time, which may be tailored to the trainee's special interests and career goals. In addition, the fellow spends one month in the neonatal intensive care unit. During the remainder of the year, he or she has senior responsibilities at Texas Children's Hospital. The second year is spent as chief fellow of the program.

The program strives to graduate fellows who excel as practitioners of pediatric surgery and become top leaders in the field, whether in academics or the private sector.

Admissions

Applicants must have completed an approved five-year ACGME residency in General Surgery and be eligible for the qualifying and certifying examinations of the American Board of Surgery by the time they are to enter the program. Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) and within the Specialty National Residency Matching Program #1716445FO.

The following items are required:

Completed ERAS Application
Curriculum Vitae
A minimum of three letters of recommendation, and a maximum of four, with one from your current Residency Program Director or Department Chair
Personal statement
Dean's letter and transcript
USMLE Board scores
American Board of Surgery In-training (ABSITE) exams/scores

International graduates must meet the requirements established by the Graduate Medical Education Office at Baylor College of Medicine, as set by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners and the Immigration Services. They will also need to contact the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), for information regarding the paperwork process for students and graduates of foreign medical schools. Baylor College of Medicine requires international medical graduates to meet the terms for an Institutional Permit, as outlined by the Texas Medical Board, and have the documents necessary for a J-1 Visa.

Any additional questions regarding international applicants can also be addressed though the International Services Office at Baylor College of Medicine.

The Pediatric Surgery Education Committee will review fellowship applications when completed through ERAS. Applicants who are considered competitive for appointment will be invited for an interview, which is an important factor in the final selection. This will provide candidates an opportunity to visit the Texas Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine either in person or virtually and learn more about the program. Applicants will meet with Dr. Mark Mazziotti, pediatric surgery faculty, and current fellows. They will also be able to tour (in person or virtual) Texas Children’s Hospital. Before adjourning, you will be provided with the opportunity to interact with Faculty and Fellows to address any additional questions.

For any questions regarding the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program, contact the Pediatric Surgery Academic Coordinator Emily Repp at 713-798-6078.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Baylor College of Medicine Pediatric Surgery Fellowship Program follows the guidelines set by the ACGME. Pediatric Surgery fellows are evaluated based on six core competencies, including:

Patient care and procedural skills
Medical knowledge
Practice-based learning and improvement
Interpersonal and communication skills
Professionalism
Systems-based practice

The pediatric surgery fellowship program uses clinical experience, didactics, conferences, and lectures to give the resident thorough understanding of the core competencies. At the end of their training, pediatric surgery residents are prepared to fulfill meaningful careers in pediatric surgery.

The first-year pediatric fellow is able to take two to four months of elective time, which may be tailored to the trainee's special interests and career goals. There are several elective courses the first-year fellow can also choose to attend. The second-year fellow acts as chief fellow of the program at Texas Children’s Hospital.

The fellows have the opportunity to attend several courses throughout the year, including the St. Jude Surgical Oncology course, the yearly Colorectal Course, and the UT Houston ECMO course. The fellows also attend one academic conference per year.

Texas Children's Hospital