ACS AEI Research Fellowship

The aim of the ACS AEI surgical simulation-based fellowship is twofold:

• Advance surgical education by populating the field with well-prepared, motivated surgical simulation scholars and practitioners
• Design, implement, and evaluate simulation-based surgical education programs that use evidence-based best practices.

The following goals have been set to facilitate our fellow's development:

Our Goals

Curriculum Design

An overarching educational goal for our fellows is the design and development of a surgical education course from the initial needs assessment through the evaluation of both the learners and the program.

Enhance Research Core

ACS AEI fellows will learn all elements of the scientific process and research methodology, from development of research questions, research design, data analysis, and dissemination of results. Fellows will be expected to contribute to the field through publication of their work and participation in academic meetings and will be exposed to the grant writing efforts of the institution.

Become a Surgical Educator

Through faculty at MITIE, fellows will obtain a strong foundation in the fields of education and training.  Fellows have the option to complete an advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Curriculum & Instruction) and to incorporate learning from this degree into their Capstone project and other ongoing projects.  The goal is to foster the career of the fellow as a surgical educator as well as to add to the institute’s growing maturity in curriculum design and evidence-based education.

Learn Simulation Center Operations

The program aims for fellows to understand the administrative and operational demands of managing and running a surgical simulation center. This includes exposure to the different departments and their functions within the institute as well as the roles and responsibilities of key staff members. Program faculty at MITIE include scientist-practitioners in various relevant fields of surgery, critical care, and industrial-organizational psychology.

Build a Network of Support

The faculty aims to contribute to the achievement of program goals through mentorship and support with course development and the scientific process, including training and study design, data collection and analysis, and manuscript preparation. Faculty will also assist in introducing the fellow to the larger community of surgical educators and a network of potential mentors.

We are looking for a motivated, ambitious candidate interested in our ACS AEI Research Fellowship to start in July 2024. The selected fellow will develop a portfolio of meaningful research and is expected to present broadly at national peer reviewed scientific meetings as well as participate in the education activities of the department and institution.

Fellowship experience consists of mentored education and simulation research, development of curriculum for medical students and residents and formal instruction in medical education principles. We are an integrated academic department of surgery with vast educational resources including MITIE, the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation & Education.

Interested applicants should send the following documents via email to Tahitia Martin at TMartin@houstonmethodist.org by March 31, 2024. If selected, interviews will be conducted in May.

Eligibility Requirements

• Completion of at least two years of a MD or DO residency program, or for non-physicians a minimum advanced degree equivalent to a master’s degree or a terminal degree and two years of relevant work experience from a surgical oriented or anesthesia residency
• Current CV
• 1 letter of support from the Chair of the Department or Program Director
• Personal statement defining career goals, plan to achieve these goals, and the anticipated impact from participating in the Fellowship Program.

Responsibility

Houston Methodist is committed to improving the health of our patients, employees, and communities around us. As a health care provider, it’s our responsibility to promote a healthier environment for our employees.

• Drug and Tobacco Screening- Job seekers will be tested for nicotine and drug usage during the post-offer physical. If a job seeker tests positive for nicotine use, including nicotine gum and patches, the offer will be rescinded, and individuals will be given the opportunity to participate in a free Houston Methodist-provided tobacco cessation program. Job seekers wishing to reapply after testing positive for nicotine may do so 90 days after the date the initial offer was rescinded. If the job seeker tests positive for drug use, the offer will be rescinded. Job seekers wishing to reapply after the drug screening is positive may do so one year after the date the initial offer was rescinded.
• Background Check - Prior to employment start date, job seekers must complete a criminal background check.