Clinical Services

Trauma Center

University Hospital is the sole Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in South and Central Texas verified by the American College of Surgeons. We are also the only Pediatric Burn Program in South Texas. More than 1,000 seriously injured children are provided medical care each year at University Hospital.

PCCU

Our Pediatric & Congenital Cardiac Care Unit (PCCU) is the only dedicated comprehensive inpatient and outpatient pediatric cardiac center in South Texas. Our South Texas Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center is one of just 19 programs in the nation designated as a Center of Excellence by Optum, Aetna, and Superior Health Plan Insurance Entities, and one of only three in Texas. Our patient outcomes are among the best in the nation. We are the only program in the region who publicly reports its outcomes data through the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database.

Extracorporeal Life Support

University Hospital is home to a robust Advanced Technologies Program providing ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), intermittent hemodialysis, and plasmapheresis to serve critically ill children in need. Our ECMO outcomes are at par with the national average. Critical care fellows are expected to provide an active role in the care of ECMO patients including presenting during ECMO rounds, actively managing the patients daily care, and being present and assisting with circuit changes and other circuit maintenance. All fellows are expected to participate in an ECMO training course during their fellowship.

Transplant

We have a busy Pediatric and Renal Transplant Program. Our outcomes are one of the best nationally. Both pre and post operative renal and hepatic transplants are routinely cared for in the PICU and allow the fellow to experience multidisciplinary rounds involving the transplant surgery service as well as nephrology and GI.

Transport

University Hospital has a dedicated Pediatric Transport Team providing services to critically ill infants and children needing to be transported to our hospital for various reasons throughout Southwest Texas. These nurses and physical therapists often have extensive experience caring for patients in the PICU and PCCU. A dedicated Neonatal Transport Team is also available. The fellow often plays an active role in organizing and directing the actions of the transport team. The opportunity to have a more active role and participate in the transport process is also available as part of elective time.