Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Emory University School of Medicine offers the Acute Care and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, a comprehensive two-year training program designed to provide a robust education in both acute care surgery and surgical critical care. This fellowship is composed of an AAST-accredited acute care surgery year followed by an ACGME-accredited surgical critical care year. Fellows receive training at two prestigious institutions: Grady Memorial Hospital, recognized as Atlanta's only American College of Surgeons-verified Level I trauma center, and Emory University Hospital, a leading academic medical center known for its high standards of clinical excellence and research.

Upon completion of the fellowship, fellows obtain an AAST certificate and are eligible to take the surgical critical care boards. The combination of these training locations ensures exposure to a broad range of clinical cases and operative experiences, essential for becoming proficient in emergency surgical care and critical care medicine 1.

Acute Care Surgery Year

During the first year, fellows engage deeply in acute care surgery at Grady Memorial Hospital. This facility handles over 150,000 emergency department visits, 10,000 trauma evaluations, and around 5,000 trauma admissions annually. The fellows manage a busy trauma and emergency surgery service, working closely with seasoned faculty who guide them in both operative and non-operative management of trauma cases. Over eight months, they participate in rotations that include hands-on training in various specialized units such as the Marcus Trauma Center. They are also involved in additional rotations in orthopedics, vascular, and cardiothoracic surgery, enhancing their operational skill set and exposure to diverse procedures 2.

Research and Academic Opportunities

The program fosters a strong academic environment through various additional training features offered throughout the fellowship. Fellows have access to multiple electives, including advanced extremity management, critical care research, and ultrasound skills. Other avenues for education include weekly trauma/acute care surgery lectures, morbidity and mortality conferences, and surgical grand rounds. This structure not only emphasizes clinical training but also promotes active participation in research and collaborative projects, thereby enriching the educational experience 3.

Surgical Critical Care Year

The surgical critical care year rotates between Grady Memorial Hospital and Emory University Hospital, where fellows develop expertise in managing critically ill patients across various specialized intensive care units (ICUs). The fellows spend four months in the surgical ICU at Grady, followed by five months at EUH, which includes rotations in its multiple specialized ICUs, such as the cardiothoracic ICU and the neurocritical care unit. This experience includes advanced surgical interventions, such as ECMO, cardiac and lung transplants, and sophisticated monitoring techniques, thus preparing fellows for complex clinical scenarios they will encounter in practice 4.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Emory Acute Care and Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is equipped to support international medical graduates with visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This provides a viable pathway for candidates from abroad who seek to train in this highly competitive fellowship program. The program is designed to attract candidates with varied educational backgrounds and can be accommodating to DO and IMG applicants, considering the diverse experiences that such individuals may bring to the training environment. Competing for a spot within this fellowship requires a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in trauma and critical care 5.

Application Requirements

The application process for the fellowship may include specific consideration for applicants' graduation years, and there might be limits on the number of failed STEP exams. More specifically, prospective fellows should ensure they meet the program’s rigorous academic and clinical training standards to enhance their candidacy 6.

Living in Atlanta

Atlanta, the vibrant capital of Georgia, offers an enriching lifestyle for fellows. With a population of approximately 5.8 million, the city boasts cultural diversity, recreational opportunities, and a strong job market. Amenities such as the extensive park system and the famous Beltline pathway foster a unique community atmosphere that embraces outdoor activities and local culture. Furthermore, Atlanta hosts essential affiliations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, presenting numerous educational and research opportunities for fellows based at Emory 7.