Medical Fellowships at the Texas Back Institute
For additional information on our fellowships and observational programs, contact the Texas Back Institute Fellowship Coordinator at 972-608-5148 or email, plane@texasback.com.
Spine Surgery Fellowship
Texas Back Institute offers a multidisciplinary approach devoted solely to the care of spinal disorders in the pediatric and adult populations. Texas Back Institute consists of 11 fellowship-trained spine surgeons, along with conservative care physicians, chiropractors, pain management physicians and allied healthcare professionals. Fellows receive broad clinical experience seeing patients with degenerative spinal disorders, pediatric and adult scoliosis, and some spine trauma and spine tumors. Fellows learn to perform anterior and posterior surgery of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, including lumbar and cervical arthroplasty, fusions and discectomies. Fellows also gain experience with open and minimally invasive surgery, including percutaneous surgical approaches. Fellows implant a wide variety of internal fixation devices, learn to perform spinal injections and implant spinal cord simulators.
There are continual opportunities to evaluate new surgical techniques with on-site cadaveric training labs, as well as exposure to all facets of conservative care including injection techniques, rehabilitation and outcome measurement. Educational training courses are held year-round at the SpineMark Medical Conference Center at Texas Back Institute, offering Fellows unequaled opportunities to see new and future technologies.
Fellows also attend weekly teaching conferences and are required to participate in and make regular presentations at Neuroscience, Interesting Case and M&M conferences, as well as monthly Journal Club meetings.
All Fellows are required to engage in ongoing research or to generate new research projects at the Texas Back Institute Research Foundation and are expected to present their research findings for successful completion of the Fellowship.
The duration of the fellowship is one year (August 1 to July 31). The program offers a stipend, health benefits and a moving allowance.
Applicants must be board eligible (or certified) and must have completed an accredited orthopedic or neurosurgery residency program. Eligibility for Texas licensure is required.
Texas Back Institute participates in the Match program. Currently, interviews can be held January-March during the PGY 4th year and applicants are encouraged to apply before October 1.
To apply, please complete the universal application on the Match website, www.sfmatch.org.
- Requirements
- Curriculum vitae (with photograph)
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal statement
Educational Observational Programs
TBIRF provides well-rounded educational endeavors that are organized with the same excellence as our one-year Spine Surgery Fellowship program. Depending on the length of the visit and specific areas of interest, schedules are designed on an individual basis. The recommended visit is a minimum of one week, except for the Research Fellowship, but we are open to shorter or longer periods of time. Every effort is made to not overlap visitors to allow each guest the best learning experience possible.
Research Fellowship
The Research Fellowship provides an opportunity for an investigator to be dedicated full time to research related to the diagnosis and treatment of back pain. The focus is research, but will also include time observing in clinic and the operating room to gain knowledge of patients with spine disorders and the available treatment options. A minimum of six months is preferred, and a completed research project is required.
Observe and Learn Program
The Observe and Learn Program allows physicians to observe cases by a Texas Back Institute surgeon that are of specific interest to the visitor. Visits are arranged to provide an in-depth understanding of specific procedures and techniques.
International Visitor Program
We are committed to welcoming International Visitors to observe our surgeons and participate in our educational opportunities. We believe reaching across borders is essential for sharing new advances in treating spine conditions by allowing physicians to observe these technologies and increase their awareness of treatment options.
Many of the surgeons at Texas Back Institute have formed relationships with physicians in other countries and continue to actively participate in international conferences. TBIRF has hosted several visitors from Brazil, Chile and China, and would like to continue opening our doors to foreign physicians to learn from our broad experience, not only in surgical procedures, but also clinical and non-operative treatment, including pain management, chiropractic and physical therapy.
- Requirements
- Curriculum vitae
- Photograph
- Three letters of reference
- Ability to speak and understand English
- Visitors are responsible for their visa, travel and living expenses
- Sponsorship fee (except for Research Fellowship)