About the Program
The Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Fellowship program is a one-year, Texas Medical Board approved program (TMB #503-48-05-42). This program provides an education in innovative multidisciplinary care for patients with advanced and complex structural heart disease. From evaluation to treatment, this unique program is designed to deliver the best possible outcomes for each and every patient. The clinical and surgical expertise of the team is further enhanced by access to the latest in medical technology and precision diagnostics. This fellowship allows the trainee to receive additional clinical experience and teaching in minimally invasive cardiac surgery under the leadership of Program Director, Dr. Kenneth Liao. See a list of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Circulatory Support faculty.
Goals and Objectives
This program is a well-structured, mentored program that will involve a diversified experience in minimally invasive valvular disease (single and multi-valve), ascending aortic surgery, congenital defect repair, and coronary bypass surgery. In addition to the clinics and procedures, the fellow will participate in a research development program that encompasses randomized multi-center trials, and outcomes studies.
This fellowship will be applicable to those physician candidates who have completed both their ACGME accredited General Surgery Residency Training and Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency with the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS).
For more information please contact the Surgery Education office at 713-798-6078 or email thoracicsurgerytraining@bcm.edu.
Admissions and Benefits
Fellows will be recruited on a yearly basis. Once the applications are received, a fellowship committee chaired by Dr. Kenneth Liao will review the applications for potential candidates who meet the requirement for appointment to the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Fellowship program.
These candidates' credentials will be verified, recommendations will be obtained, and appropriate applicants may be invited to interview for the training program. Fellows will be selected in early spring.
The following items are required for the application to the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Fellowship:
- A completed ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ of Medicine House Staff Application
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three passport sized photographs
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members
Letters should be addressed to:
Kenneth K. Liao, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Chief, Division of Cardiothoracic Transplantation and Circulatory Support
Program Director, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Fellowship
ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ of Medicine
1 Baylor Plaza, BCM 390
Houston, TX 77030
- USMLE 1, 2, and 3 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 ant notarized, stating that it is a true copy of the original
- Dean’s verification of pending or past graduation
- ECFMG certificate if a foreign medical graduate (copied and notarized)
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. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ 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.
Submit application material to our program coordinator:
Ashli Hall
Sr. Program Coordinator, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Fellowship
ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ of Medicine
1 Baylor Plaza, BCM 390
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 713-798-6078
Fax: 713-798-8941
Email: thoracicsurgerytraining@bcm.edu
View stipends and benefit information on the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ of Medicine’s graduate medical education website. Stipend levels are at the national average, but Houston's cost of living ranks among the lowest of metropolitan areas in the United States.
Maintaining your physical and emotional wellness is a prerequisite to professional success. Our residents have access to a number of programs to support their well-being. View wellness resources.
Information about vacation and leave of absences is available on the graduate medical education website.
Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ of Medicine
Dr. Kenneth K. Liao discusses the latest in heart surgery technology and his specialty in minimally invasive and robotic heart surgery.