Christiana Care Health Services Program

ChristianaCare offers a comprehensive Surgical Critical Care Fellowship designed to cultivate proficiency in the management of critically ill surgical patients within a robust and supportive training environment. This program is recognized for its commitment to developing skilled surgical intensivists, providing an array of educational and experiential opportunities to enhance fellows' surgical critical care expertise.

Program Structure

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at ChristianaCare is a one-year ACGME-accredited program, with the option to undertake an additional second year for completion of an Acute Care Surgery fellowship. This structure facilitates a deep dive into trauma and critical care through hands-on training in a high-volume environment. Successful candidates emerge with advanced skills essential for leadership roles in surgical critical care, emphasizing both clinical proficiency and educational mentorship.

Christiana Hospital serves as the primary training site, hosting a 913-bed facility and functioning as the only ACS-verified Level I Trauma Center in Delaware. The hospital's designation as a tertiary care center ensures a diverse clinical case load, including over 4,800 trauma evaluations and 500 ICU admissions each year, which cover a spectrum of injuries and complexities 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously designed to include both invasive and non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for managing critically ill patients. Weekly educational activities such as Grand Rounds, morbidity and mortality conferences, and fellows’ didactic sessions are integral to the program 5. Additionally, fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly research, supported by a dedicated surgical research nurse coordinator, thus enhancing their academic acumen.

In addition to core surgical critical care rotations, the curriculum incorporates mandatory rotations in Neurocritical Care and Pediatric ICU at the Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children. Elective opportunities are available in areas such as burn critical care, research, quality improvement, and palliative care, allowing fellows to tailor their educational experience 6.

Unique Training Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on quality improvement and patient safety, providing fellows avenues to participate in various initiatives related to these critical areas 5. The educational environment is enriched by collaborations with faculty from the nearby Sidney Kimmel Medical College, enhancing the mentorship opportunities available to fellows.

Furthermore, fellows are introduced to concepts of leadership and management in healthcare through programs like the Pocket MBA, which fosters skills relating to the business aspects of healthcare delivery. This initiative equips fellows with the competencies necessary for navigating the complexities of modern healthcare systems 6.

Visa Sponsorship and Non-Discrimination Policy

ChristianaCare is dedicated to supporting qualified international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides sponsorship for various visa types, including J-1 and H-1B visas, which are typically applicable for medical fellows and residents. The program upholds a non-discriminatory policy in its application and selection processes, ensuring candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications without regard for sex, age, race, or other personal characteristics 3.

Application Details

The program typically accepts two fellows each year through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must have completed a minimum of three years in an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency to be eligible. Complete applications must be submitted via the SAFAS platform by July 1st 3. Candidates are assessed on academic credentials, personal attributes, and interview performance, reflecting a holistic selection approach.

Competitiveness and Applicant Attributes

The ChristianaCare Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is recognized for its competitive nature. Ideal candidates will possess a strong academic background and demonstrate qualities such as integrity, motivation, and effective communication skills. The program values diversity and actively seeks to include candidates from a variety of backgrounds, including international medical graduates and those holding Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degrees 3.