Description

UT Southwestern/Texas Health Resources General Thoracic Surgery Research Trainee (Clinical Fellow-Non-ACGME)
1–2 Year Clinical Fellow (Non-ACGME) Research Trainee

Program Overview
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, in partnership with Texas Health Resources, offers a 1–2-year non-ACGME research track in General Thoracic Surgery. This program is intended for general surgery residents or off-cycle candidates seeking advanced training in clinical, translational, and/or basic science research. Fellows train within the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Texas.

Institutional Strengths
Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center: Integrated research programs, multidisciplinary care, and active clinical trials.
UT Lung Cancer SPORE: Collaboration with MD Anderson focused on precision therapies, biomarkers, and immuno-oncology with rich research resources.
Advanced Imaging Research Center: Cutting-edge MRI, CT, PET, and optical imaging platforms supporting tumor imaging and biomarker studies.
Metabolomics & Microbiome Programs: Research in cancer metabolism and host–microbe interactions.
Outcomes & Population Research: Collaboration with the School of Public Health for health services, outcomes, and quality research.

Research Opportunities
Clinical: Thoracic oncology, minimally invasive surgery, perioperative care, and outcomes research.
Translational: Immuno-oncology, tumor biology, biomarkers, and SPORE-based projects.
Basic Science: Tumor metabolism, imaging science, and microbiology.

Education & Training
Fellows may pursue graduate coursework or degrees (e.g., M.S., M.P.H.) and receive formal training in biostatistics, epidemiology, study design, and grant writing through UT Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the O’Donnell School of Public Health, contingent upon meeting admission requirements. Numerous T32 and institutional training programs provide structured didactics in biostatistics, epidemiology, study design, grant writing, and responsible conduct of research.

Mentorship & Career Development
Each fellow is supported by a thoracic surgery mentor and multidisciplinary team. The program emphasizes publications, grant development, and preparation for cardiothoracic surgery fellowship and academic careers.

Funding & Resources
Fully funded 1–2 year position with competitive salary and benefits. Access to established research programs and shared resources in biostatistics, imaging, and data science.

Eligibility
Applicants must be general surgery residents (ACGME-accredited or equivalent), typically PGY-2 or PGY-3, with demonstrated interest in academic thoracic surgery and research productivity.

Application Instructions
Submit current CV, a 1–2 page personal statement, and 2–3 letters of recommendation (including Program Director). In the personal statement, describe your research interests, career goals, and preferred focus (clinical, translational, and/or basic science).