Curriculum

The St David's Healthcare GME Vascular Surgery Fellowship offers a comprehensive, hands-on training experience designed to prepare fellows for independent practice in all aspects of open and endovascular surgery.

The two-year curriculum emphasizes progressive autonomy, efficiency, and clinical leadership—the hallmark of our training philosophy.

Fellows rotate among the South, Central, and North Austin hospitals, gaining exposure to a broad spectrum of vascular pathology and diverse operative techniques. Each site provides unique learning opportunities within high-volume practices.

The South rotation incorporates dedicated vein and vascular ultrasound rotations, ensuring proficiency in duplex interpretation, vein procedures, and office-based interventions. All fellows participate in office-based laboratories (OBLs), vascular labs, and vein clinics, developing skills in patient selection, imaging, and longitudinal management of chronic vascular disease.

Weekly mandatory didactic sessions include structured board-exam preparation, RPVI (Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation) curriculum, and high-fidelity simulation experiences in both open and endovascular techniques. Leadership development and professional practice management are integrated throughout the curriculum to prepare fellows for real-world clinical and administrative responsibilities.

Fellows work closely with junior HCA general surgery residents and medical students from the Texas A&M University College of Medicine, fostering teaching and mentorship skills within a collaborative academic environment.

Dedicated research time is provided to encourage scholarly productivity. Each fellow is expected to complete at least one manuscript suitable for publication and present their findings at a regional or national vascular meeting.

Through this balanced approach to clinical excellence, education, leadership, and scholarship, the St. David's GME Vascular Surgery Fellowship produces vascular surgeons who are technically skilled, academically engaged, and prepared to lead in any practice setting.