Detroit Medical Center Program

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Fellowship at Wayne State University School of Medicine and the Detroit Medical Center is an ACGME accredited one-year program designed to equip physicians for leadership roles in prehospital care. This fellowship provides a focus on developing expertise in emergency medical services, thereby fostering both clinical and administrative competencies. The program emphasizes academic training with opportunities for research and advanced degrees, ensuring fellows are well-prepared for sub-specialty board eligibility in EMS.

As a PGY-4 position, the EMS fellow receives competitive compensation along with full benefits provided by the Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center Graduate Medical Education (GME) system. Clinical time is compensated on an hourly basis, facilitating practical experience while embedding fellows in the operational dynamics of emergency services.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The EMS Fellowship provides a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses a wide range of clinical and operational experiences, essential in training future leaders in EMS. Through both didactic learning and experiential opportunities, fellows will engage with EMS faculty, gaining insights into:

• Operations and Clinical Experiences: Fellows will routinely interact with EMS teams, offering a blend of lectures, field patient care, and administrative clerical responsibilities. Key interactions will take place in community emergency medical services in Southeastern Michigan.
• Disaster Management: Completion of National Incident Management System coursework is required, addressing mass casualty incidents, hazardous materials, and multidisciplinary problem-solving in emergency scenarios.
• Medical Direction and Oversight: The program ensures fellows develop a robust understanding of medical control systems and the legal frameworks governing EMS operation within Michigan.
• Research Development: Fellows are guided through the research process, including proposal development and implementation, equipping them with the necessary skills to contribute to advancing prehospital care practices.
• Leadership Opportunities: Involvement in local EMS committees will provide genuine opportunities to influence policy and administrative structures.

Training Sites and Exposure

Fellows will experience training across various leading hospitals such as:

• Detroit Receiving Hospital (Level 1 trauma center)
• Sinai-Grace Hospital (another Level 1 trauma center)
• Children's Hospital of Michigan (dedicated pediatric trauma center)
• Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital (community-based emergency services)

Research and Education

The program accentuates research as a vital component of its framework. Fellows will be actively involved in ongoing projects and are encouraged to publish papers in peer-reviewed journals. The research interests span various domains, including:

• Cardiac arrest and trauma
• Neurological emergencies
• Prehospital medicine innovations
• Emergency response protocols and training

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is conducive for international medical graduates as it offers visa sponsorship (J-1 and H-1B visas), thus making it a DO/IMG friendly environment. Given the competitive nature of the fellowship, aspiring candidates are encouraged to demonstrate a solid foundation in emergency medicine and related fields. Ideal applicants will have completed a residency in emergency medicine and be prepared to showcase a commitment to public service and academic excellence.

Application Requirements

Applications are expected from candidates who have graduated from an accredited medical school, with particular attention given to those with clinical and research experience in emergency medicine. The program may have specific conditions related to the maximum number of failed USMLE STEP exams and the graduation year.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive characteristic of the EMS Fellowship is its emphasis on mentorship. Each fellow benefits from a dedicated mentor from among the distinguished faculty, who guide them through personal career goals, enhance their clinical skills, and provide holistic development throughout the fellowship year. Furthermore, the fellowship offers exposure to innovative technologies and protocols in EMS, accentuating the rapid growth and transformation of EMS services in Detroit.