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What are you looking for in a resident application?
We’re looking for curious, conscientious individuals who are passionate about serving their communities. Ideal applicants are active learners, generous teachers, and dedicated team players. Emergency medicine is often the first point of access for many patients—we want residents who embody empathy, equity, and excellence, and who prioritize patient-centered care. We value those who embrace innovation, challenge the status quo, and strive to make the system—and themselves—better every day.
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What are some highlights or unique opportunities of your program?
Our inaugural class have shaped the identity and culture of our residency from day one. Residents will benefit from our unique UTMB partnerships and experiences, including:
- Aerospace Medicine (NASA & SpaceX)
- Maritime Medicine
- Polar/Antarctic Medicine (Center for Polar Medicine)
- Disaster Response
- Bedside Ultrasound
- Level 1 Trauma & Burn Centers
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Emerging Infectious Diseases
- Global Medicine
Additional highlights:
- Significant NIH and foundation research funding
- Largest simulation center in the United States
- Specialized opportunities in hurricanes, marine environments, snake bites, burns, toxicology, and more
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What will my first year look like?
Our detailed block schedules can be viewed here: UTMB EM Block Schedule
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Why should I choose a UTMB residency?
Our program balances academic rigor with real-world excellence. Residents gain exposure to:
- Level 1 trauma and burn care
- Suburban and pediatric emergency medicine
- Disaster medicine, aerospace, and polar operations
All while enjoying island life in a vibrant, family-friendly community with a temperate climate and strong local culture.
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What procedures will I do as a resident?
We anticipate that residents will complete significantly more procedures than the number listed by the RRC. For example, we anticipate more than 100 intubation per resident.
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What are the emergency department volumes at UTMB sites?
Location Annual Visits Admit Rate Pediatrics Critical Care Galveston 44,308 (pre-COVID: 50,000) 26% 14% 6.7% League City 42,370 19% 18% 3.7% Clear Lake 40,606 27% 24% (100% in PED) 5% -
What are the duty hour issues for EM?
- Max 60 hours/week in ED (averaged over 4 weeks)
- Max 12-hour ED shifts
- Max 72 hours/week including clinical/program-related activities
- Minimum 24 hours off every 7 days
- Max 80 hours/week on non-EM rotations
- Shift-to-shift rest time equivalent to prior or next clinical shift
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Which study resources are used in your program?
- Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine
- UWorld
- HippoEM
- Board Review Questions
- Faculty-led study sessions
- Rosh Review
- AMBOSS
- UpToDate
- Foundations in Emergency Medicine
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What is Galveston like?
Galveston is a coastal city with a 27-mile beach, rich Victorian architecture, and a diverse, welcoming community. Residents enjoy:
- Local and international cuisine
- Family-friendly events and outdoor activities
- Proximity to Houston (1 hour), a global city with a major airport
Learn more at the UTMB Living page.
