Boston University Medical Center Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Boston Medical Center (BMC) is a one-year, ACGME-accredited clinical fellowship designed for those pursuing advanced training in surgical critical care. Located in a tertiary-care, safety-net hospital, BMC serves a diverse and underserved patient population, providing fellows with a robust educational experience. As a Level 1 adult trauma center and a Level 2 pediatric trauma center, BMC has earned recognition for its exceptional trauma services, handling the highest percentage of penetrating trauma cases in New England.

Each year, the Sections of Acute Care and Trauma Surgery/Surgical Critical Care admit approximately 2,400 patients, supported by a team of seven core faculty members who are board-certified in surgical critical care and have additional qualifications in acute care and trauma surgery. Fellows will benefit from 24/7 faculty presence, ensuring a rich learning environment enhanced by mentorship from experienced educators.

The newly renovated Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at BMC comprises 28 beds and admits over 1,500 patients annually. This unit provides care for patients suffering from multisystem trauma, neurotrauma, and multisystem organ failure, as well as those requiring perioperative hemodynamic monitoring for a variety of surgical cases across multiple specialties, including vascular, thoracic, urologic, neurologic, and orthopedic surgery. Such a diverse patient mix presents fellows with ample opportunities to refine their critical care skills.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that includes rotations in surgical, medical, and neurointensive care units. In addition to these core rotations, fellows have the opportunity to participate in elective rotations in various subspecialties, including radiology, ultrasound, trauma surgery, acute care surgery, and anesthesia. This multifaceted approach is designed to equip fellows with a well-rounded skill set necessary for modern acute care surgeons and surgical intensivists.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical and/or basic science research related to trauma and critical care. The fellowship’s faculty provides mentorship, fostering an environment that promotes academic achievement and inquiry. This dedication to research aligns with BMC’s mission to tackle social determinants of health and address health disparities, which has been recognized at a national level.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship, primarily for J-1 visas, to international applicants meeting the requisite credentialing standards. This support ensures eligible candidates from around the globe have the opportunity to apply and train within this distinguished fellowship.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting a wide range of candidates including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Applicants must be board-eligible in general surgery and must have completed at least three categorical years in an ACGME-accredited residency program. Furthermore, candidates are required to obtain a medical license from the state of Massachusetts prior to beginning the fellowship.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The BMC Surgical Critical Care Fellowship stands out due to its commitment to addressing trauma care in an urban setting, along with its emphasis on not only clinical proficiency but also on the societal aspects of healthcare delivery. Graduates of the program emerge as competitive candidates for both academic positions and private practice opportunities.

Location and Lifestyle

Boston offers a dynamic urban environment with a rich offering of cultural, recreational, and historical experiences, making it an appealing location for fellows. With access to a variety of outdoor activities and a vibrant city life, fellows can expect a balanced lifestyle throughout their training.