The Baylor-Simmons abdominal transplant fellowship training program was established in 1985 and is accredited by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons to train 2 fellows annually in liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation. The fellowship is 24 months in length. The training program encompasses two hospitals: Baylor University Medical Center and Baylor All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth.
Since its inception, our transplant program has completed over 3600 liver transplants, over 3300 kidney transplants, and over 200 pancreas transplants. The current volume of transplants at both centers combined is approximately 135 liver, 230 kidney, and 15-20 pancreas transplants annually. Additionally, we offer extensive training in hepatobiliary surgery, islet cell transplantation (allo and auto), and living donor nephrectomy, in addition to multiple organ procurement.
After completion of our fellowship, the fellow will be expected to:
| 1. |
Complete a kidney and liver transplantation. |
| 2. |
Manage immunosuppression in posttransplant recipients. |
| 3. |
Be proficient at the procurement operation, both brain dead and donation after cardiac death (DCD) donors. |
| 4. |
Understand the process of evaluation and selection of patients eligible for organ transplantation. |
| 5. |
Complete the required number of operative cases as mandated by the ASTS to obtain certification in liver, kidney, and pancreas transplantation. |
| 6. |
Diagnose and treat surgical problems (re-operations and complications) associated with liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants. |
| 7. |
Manage end-stage organ disease and understand the specific indications and contraindications for organ transplantation. |
| 8. |
Understand the function of the histocompatibility laboratory with respect to crossmatching techniques, PRA testing, and tissue typing. |
| 9. |
Gain complete understanding of laboratory and radiologic procedures used in diagnosing infection, rejection, and other complications after transplantation. |
| 10. |
Understand the pathology of post liver transplant biopsies, both short and long-term. |
| 11 |
Understand the long-term management and complications, both medical and surgical, of transplant recipients. |
| 12. |
Participate in clinical research. |
Over 30 clinical fellows have been trained at our program, many of whom have proceeded to head programs in the United States and abroad.
Fellow candidates must complete an accredited general surgery residency program prior to starting the fellowship. United States graduates will have completed an ACGME-approved residency of at least 5 years. Foreign medical graduates must have completed the equivalent surgical training in their respective countries. Additionally, they must complete USMLE steps 1, 2 and 3 and obtain ECFMG certification prior to applying for the fellowship. All selected candidates will be invited for an interview session with the Baylor transplant surgeons. Fellows are selected via the National Resident Match Program (NRMP) process.