APP General Surgery Fellowship

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare—no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Continuing education funds

About the role

The General Surgery Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center is a one-year, comprehensive training program designed to prepare advanced practice providers (APPs) for careers in surgical subspecialties. The fellowship is open to nurse practitioners (NPs) with RN First Assist (RNFA) certification and physician assistants (PAs) who have completed a graduate-level program and demonstrate a strong interest in surgical care.

During the fellowship, participants gain hands-on clinical experience across a broad range of surgical subspecialties, including general surgery (elective and emergent), gynecology, transplant surgery, surgical oncology, colorectal surgery, surgical intensive care, and thoracic surgery. Fellows work closely with attending surgeons, experienced APPs, and interdisciplinary team members and participate in all phases of patient care, from preoperative evaluation through postoperative follow-up.

The curriculum combines immersive clinical training with structured didactic education, hands-on workshops, and specialty-specific conferences and rounds. Fellows also participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. Upon completion of the program, graduates are equipped with the skills and clinical judgment necessary to practice independently or serve as highly effective members of surgical teams.

Surgical APP Fellows are full-time employees of UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive patient evaluations and develop treatment plans in collaboration with the surgical team.
• Assist in the operating room, including but not limited to performing surgical first assist duties and providing intraoperative care.
• Conduct daily patient rounds, document progress notes, and communicate with patients and their families regarding the patient's care plan.
• Participate in on-call coverage as assigned by the surgical team.
• Attend educational sessions and conferences to enhance knowledge of surgical subspecialties and patient care.
• Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to ensure safe and effective patient care.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care in the electronic health record.

Requirements

• Minimum of a master's degree in nursing as an acute care nurse practitioner with RNFA from an accredited advanced practice education program OR graduate of a physician assistant master's program accredited by ARC-PA prior to the fellowship program start date.
• Current Texas Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner certification (AGACNP BC or ACNPC-AG) with RNFA or Texas Physician Assistant license and national board certification.
• Texas licensure must be obtained by January 15, 2027.
• Authorization for prescriptive authority by the Texas Board of Nursing (as applicable).
• Current BLS and ACLS certification through the American Heart Association or Red Cross, per UT Southwestern policy.

Program admission is open to new graduates or experienced Acute Care NPs with RNFA certification or Physician Assistants that meet the program eligibility requirements.

Skills

• Accuracy and ability to exercise considerable judgment.
• Ability to maintain current customer service, clinical, and technical skills.
• Ability to identify opportunities and provide suggestions for improvements in departmental policy, procedures, and protocols.
• Proficient use of EMR in the delivery of care.

Pay

Fellows receive a competitive annual salary of $95,000.

Schedule

The fellowship program is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 5, 2027, and lasts for 12 months. Two fellows are selected per year.

Application period: August 3rd - October 4th, 2026.

Interviews and candidate selection occur in October-November 2026.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in a clinical environment. The incumbent may be exposed to body fluids and infectious diseases.

Primary work location: 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, Texas.