Baylor University Medical Center Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center, part of Baylor Scott & White Health, is fully accredited and aims to prepare fellows for advanced subspecialty practices to meet the contemporary challenges in surgical critical care. This program seeks to train specialists who can manage critically ill patients in a variety of environments, enhancing their surgical and critical thinking skills through extensive medical education.

Baylor University Medical Center is a 1,008-bed tertiary care hospital located in Dallas, Texas. It serves around 39,000 admissions annually, functioning as a Level 1 Trauma Center with approximately 2,400 trauma admissions each year. The hospital houses 123 ICU beds, including 57 beds specifically for surgical ICU patients. The fellowship lasts for one year, during which fellows gain proficiency in both ICU management and the operative care of critically ill patients.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is strategically developed to enrich fellows with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for addressing complex surgical illnesses. The educational framework emphasizes various domains, including medical knowledge, patient care, practice-based learning, systems-based practice, professionalism, and effective communication skills. This comprehensive approach is realized through:

• Didactic and interactive learning sessions in basic and clinical sciences.
• Active participation in teaching rounds and primary patient care.
• Specialized rotation experiences that cover distinct areas of surgical critical care.

Fellows are expected to integrate their acquired knowledge into clinical practice, showcasing expertise in surgical critical care decision-making, organ system support, new technology evaluation, ICU administration, and research design.

Rotations

The fellowship includes numerous rotations tailored to maximize exposure in various subspecialties. The typical rotation structure is as follows:

• Surgical and trauma ICU (STICU) – 4 months
• Cardiothoracic and transplant surgery ICU (CTICU) – 4 months
• Medical intensive care unit (MICU) – 1 month
• Acute care surgery – 1 month
• Two elective months (one non-surgical elective is permitted)

Operative experience is continuously encouraged, and fellows cover duties in home call during weekdays, with one dedicated fellow managing weekend responsibilities. This model ensures sufficient time for rest and study.

Conferences and Research

Engagement in academic activities is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with fellows participating in:

• Weekly combined didactic lectures on surgical critical care and trauma.
• Journal club discussions and quality improvement meetings.
• Specialty conferences based on rotation assignments.

Fellows are expected to analyze existing guidelines and actively contribute to the development of Practice Management Guidelines for Trauma topics. Research opportunities abound; fellows are guided to initiate and complete a research project culminating in a national conference presentation and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must have completed at least three clinical years in an ACGME-accredited program in one of several specified surgical specialties. This includes disciplines such as Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, and various surgical fields. Specific application requirements include:

• Dean's letter
• Medical school transcripts
• Personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation from attending surgeons

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is considered competitive, accommodating both U.S. and international medical graduates, and it may offer visa sponsorship options such as J-1 and H-1B visas for those requiring it. The assessment process emphasizes achieving excellence in prior training programs along with favorable interviews with existing faculty.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Baylor University Medical Center is dedicated to creating an inclusive training environment that fosters diversity. Initiatives aimed at supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion are priorities, contributing to an enriching fellowship experience for all trainees.

Benefits

Fellows are offered a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with retirement savings plans and paid time off. Additionally, they have access to specialized wellness programs, meal allowances, and funding for research presentations.

Life in Dallas

Dallas, Texas, provides a vibrant metropolitan backdrop for fellowship training, with a rich array of cultural and recreational activities. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other major U.S. cities, making it an attractive location for residents' lifestyle.