Program Overview

Introduction to the DeBakey Summer Surgery Program

The Michael E. DeBakey Summer Surgery Program is a highly competitive program that has been in existence since the 1960s. Developed by Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, the program aims to encourage well-qualified young students to pursue a career in medicine.

Program History

The program began as an opportunity for science fair winners to continue their research and apply their science aptitudes to medicine. Over the years, it has expanded to include rotations on clinical services, with the goal of developing and maintaining the interest of young students in medically oriented careers.

Program Overview

The DeBakey Summer Surgery Program is an eight-week program that familiarizes students with hospital and operating room environments, as well as time management skills. Students are assigned to a surgery faculty mentor and participate in surgical service activities at one of several hospitals, including Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center, or Texas Children's Hospital.

Program Structure

• Students work closely with their mentors, participating in rounds, operative cases, patient care, and conferences.
• The program introduces students to the fundamentals of surgical practice, including perioperative evaluation, operative principles, and post-operative care.
• Students function as a sub-intern on a busy surgery service, working with faculty, residents, medical students, nurses, and administrative personnel.

Goals and Objectives

The program has several goals and objectives, including:

• Teaching students basic knowledge of surgical diseases, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and preoperative and postoperative care.
• Helping students recognize the significance of other diagnostic services and understand the correlation and interaction of such services.
• Allowing students to observe decision-making under elective and emergency conditions.

Program Details

• The program is highly competitive, with over 200 applicants for approximately 15 positions.
• Students can expect to begin their days at 6 a.m. and leave the hospital around 6 p.m.
• Weekends are not typically expected, but students may take a night shift at Ben Taub Hospital.
• The program includes didactics on various topics, such as medical school admissions, surgical subspecialties, and surgical skills lab sessions.
• All participants will observe surgery during the length of the program.