Applicants for the program must have completed an ACGME approved 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. They must apply through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP #1716460F0 for Cardiothoracic Surgery and NRMP # 1716460F1 for General Thoracic Track; ACGME #4604813124). View information regarding the NRMP.
Applications for the Thoracic Surgery (Independent) Fellowship Program are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Services system from the Association of American Medical Colleges.
- Completed ERAS application
- Personal statement and Curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members
- USMLE 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 and notarized, stating that it is a true copy of the original)
- Dean's verification of pending or past graduation
- ECFMG certificate (copied and notarized) if applicable
- Passport-sized photo
International Graduates
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.
Committee Application Review Process
The Thoracic Surgery Fellowship Committee will review each fellowship application when completed. Applicants who are considered competitive for appointment in the fellowship program will be invited for a personal interview. The interview process is an important factor in the final selection of candidates for the program. This will provide the applicant an opportunity to visit the institution and meet with the thoracic surgery faculty and trainees. It will also allow the thoracic surgery trainees a chance to visit with the applicant and answer any additional questions.
Interview Sessions
For the Thoracic Surgery (Independent) Fellowship Program, the program conducts two formal interview sessions each year. Sessions for the upcoming year will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
At the interview sessions, an introduction and slide presentation is given by the faculty leadership. Each applicant will be interviewed by multiple faculty members. The applicants also have an opportunity to visit with current fellows and participate in virtual tours of our participating sites.