Cooper Medical School of Rowan University/Cooper University Hospital Program

Program Overview

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Cooper University Hospital and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University is a one-year ACGME-accredited program. This fellowship is designed for physicians seeking specialized training in the management of critically ill surgical patients, emphasizing comprehensive trauma care. As a state-designated Level I Trauma Center, Cooper University Hospital serves a broad patient population, offering both primary and tertiary medical care.

Located in Camden, New Jersey, the program takes full advantage of Cooper's extensive facilities, which include a total of 73 critical care beds distributed across various intensive care units. The fellows are immersed in a highly dynamic environment with opportunities to learn from acclaimed critical care intensivists across multiple disciplines.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum focuses on acute trauma management, resuscitation, and comprehensive surgical critical care. Fellows are expected to tailor their educational pathways according to their individual career goals and clinical interests, working closely with faculty who are board-certified in critical care surgery.

Training is rigorous and involves rotations through the medical/surgical ICU, trauma/surgical ICU, cardiac care units, and stroke units, allowing fellows to gain firsthand experience in managing diverse patient populations with complex clinical presentations.

Research and Academic Opportunities

The fellowship program encourages active participation in research, with numerous opportunities to engage in clinical trials and other scholarly pursuits. The critical care faculty leads an environment rich in academic inquiry, supporting fellows in their investigations and publications, which significantly enhance their professional profiles.

Visa Sponsorship and Support

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Cooper University Hospital offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The program typically sponsors J-1 visas, a non-immigrant student visa category that allows participants to engage in specialized medical training in the United States. This ensures that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can apply without being hindered by visa restrictions.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting applicants from various backgrounds including US medical graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program strongly encourages applications from those who demonstrate exceptional clinical skills and a passion for critical care medicine.

Applicants must hold a valid medical degree from an accredited institution and must have certification by the ECFMG for international graduates. Specific application requirements may include the completion of a residency in a relevant specialty such as General Surgery, Internal Medicine, or Emergency Medicine, along with letters of recommendation that can attest to the applicant's skills and commitment to the field.

Diversity and Inclusion

Cooper University Hospital prides itself on maintaining a diverse workforce and promoting inclusivity within its fellowship programs. The commitment to diversity ensures that the program reflects the varied backgrounds and experiences of its patients and community, enriching the educational environment for all participants.

Support and Resources

Fellows are provided with an extensive support system, including access to comprehensive clinical resources, mentoring from experienced faculty, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. This environment fosters not just professional growth, but personal development as well, as fellows work together to create a supportive academic community.

Through its rigorous training, dedicated faculty, and commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment, the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Cooper University Hospital prepares its fellows to excel in the field of critical care medicine.