Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program

The Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine (CCM) Fellowship program at Cedars-Sinai offers a comprehensive one-year accredited training designed to equip fellows with advanced skills essential for managing critically ill patients. This fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring a quality educational experience leading to eligibility for board certification in both critical care medicine and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).

This program immerses fellows in a variety of clinical environments, including a renowned adult cardiac surgery intensive care unit (CSICU) known for its advanced care methodologies for patients undergoing complex cardiac procedures, including heart transplants, mechanical circulatory support, and various cardiac surgeries. The program also stands out due to its affiliation with Cedars-Sinai, a national leader in heart disease management and trauma care, providing ample exposure to a diverse patient population and complex medical cases 1.

Training and Curriculum

The training curriculum spans 52 weeks divided into specific rotations that cover various essential aspects of critical care medicine. Notably, fellows will predominantly operate within the CSICU, which serves as their primary training ground. The curriculum is strategically implemented as follows: 5.5 weeks in CSICU, 8 weeks in surgical ICU (SICU), 2 weeks in neuro ICU (NSICU), 4 weeks in medical ICU (MICU), 2 weeks in cardiac care unit (CCU), 2 weeks in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU/NICU), 4 weeks in elective rotations, and 4 weeks each for echocardiography/pocus and research. Fellow responsibilities increase over time as they are expected to function with greater independence and take on the role of a junior attending in their later stages of training 6.

Application Process

To gain admission to the fellowship, candidates must participate in the Critical Care Anesthesiology Fellowship Match, which is conducted through SF Match. Applications are accepted from November to April, with interviews held from March to April. The rigorous selection process requires submission of various documents, including CV, exam reports, and letters of recommendation, and the fellowship committee evaluates all complete applications to identify suitable candidates 4.

Eligibility prerequisites mandate that candidates have completed residency training in anesthesia and must possess a full, unrestricted medical license to practice in California. The program places significant emphasis on achieving both academic and clinical excellence, thus aiming to cultivate future leaders in intensive care medicine 5.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research, which is a critical component of their training at Cedars-Sinai. The program fosters an environment conducive to clinical investigation, providing fellows with opportunities to present findings at national and international conferences. Completion of research projects during fellowship is expected, contributing to scholarly publications before graduation 6.

Facilities and Resources

Cedars-Sinai boasts state-of-the-art facilities, offering fellows access to advanced outpatient, inpatient, surgical, and research environments. Resources such as the Women’s Guild Simulation Center provide crucial hands-on training through simulations that mimic real-life clinical scenarios, enhancing teamwork and procedural skill development. Additionally, fellows benefit from subscriptions to professional societies like the CSA, ASA, and SCCM, alongside access to extensive medical libraries packed with current literature and educational materials 5.

Fellowship Community

The fellowship community at Cedars-Sinai boasts a diverse faculty with expertise across multiple disciplines, enhancing the fellows' learning experience. Program leadership is characterized by a commitment to mentorship and education, ensuring robust training and support for all fellows 2.

Visa and Competitiveness

The fellowship program is open to qualified international medical graduates, and it can provide visa support for J-1 or H-1B visas as necessary. The program is known to be competitive, welcoming applications from highly qualified candidates, including both DO and IMG applicants, yet it emphasizes a holistic review of each application.

Unique Aspects

Furthermore, the emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex cases sets the program apart. Fellows are trained to coordinate critical care delivery among various specialties, further developing their leadership skills essential for managing a complex ICU environment adequately 3.

In summary, the Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai offers an enriching educational experience that combines rigorous clinical training, research opportunities, and access to advanced medical facilities, preparing graduates for successful careers in critical care medicine.