George Washington University Program
Location:
Washington, DCSpecialty:
Critical care medicine (Internal medicine)ACGME Code:
1421021103The George Washington University Program in Critical Care Medicine is a prestigious and comprehensive fellowship located in the heart of Washington, D.C. It provides training primarily within the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Disorders Medicine. This fellowship is designed to equip trainees with advanced skills in pulmonary and critical care medicine through a structured curriculum and diverse clinical experiences.
Program Structure
The fellowship spans a rigorous three-year training program, emphasizing both clinical excellence and research. The program integrates comprehensive clinical experiences in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing a blend of rigorous training crucial for modern critical care physicians.
Clinical Rotations
Fellows receive training across two major clinical sites: The George Washington University Hospital and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Each site presents unique opportunities to care for diverse patient populations with a range of severe and complex pulmonary conditions.
The George Washington University Hospital
At this facility, fellows lead an inpatient team, known as the "Blue team," responsible for managing patients with a variety of pulmonary diseases. Responsibilities may include managing cases of pneumonia, asthma exacerbations, pulmonary embolisms, and other acute respiratory conditions. In addition to leadership roles, fellows are involved in performing several crucial procedures, such as bronchoscopy and thoracentesis.
DC Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VA)
The VA provides a classic consultative service setting for pulmonary care, focusing on facilitating consultations for hospitalized veterans with pulmonary issues. By working in this environment, fellows perform various pulmonary procedures within a supportive educational framework.
Educational Curriculum
The educational components of the program include a series of dedicated conferences and training sessions. This educational ecosystem allows fellows to develop both clinical skills and theoretical knowledge essential for managing critical care situations.
Conferences and Educational Activities
- Critical Care Conferences: Focus on current practices and management techniques with regular case discussions.
- Journal Club: Regular meetings where fellows review current research to stay updated with advancements in the field.
- Fellowship Bootcamp: A foundational four-week course designed at the beginning of the fellowship to address core concepts including ventilator management.
Research Opportunities
Research is a critical part of the fellowship experience, with expectations for fellows to engage in scholarly activities throughout their training. Each fellow is required to initiate and complete one or two research projects during their fellowship, including the possibility of quality improvement projects focused on clinical practices within pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Visa Support and Requirements
The program provides J-1 visa sponsorship for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). All international applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program and must also be ECFMG certified.
Application Competitiveness
This fellowship program is known to be highly competitive, attracting candidates from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants. A comprehensive and well-documented application is essential to successfully secure a position.
Special Application Requirements
While completing the application, candidates must ensure they have passing scores on all USMLE/COMLEX exams (Steps I-III) by the start of the fellowship. Additionally, three letters of recommendation are required, with one specifically from the program director of the candidate's residency.
Website
Director
Katrina Hawkins, MDFaculty, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and Medicine Appointed Since September 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
13hrsFirst Year Salary:
$75,418First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Washington, DC
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Washington, DC
- Crime Rate and Safety: Washington, DC has a mix of neighborhoods with varying levels of safety. While some areas are considered safe, others may have higher crime rates. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods before choosing where to live.
- Fun Activities: Washington, DC is rich in culture and history. Residents can enjoy visiting museums, exploring national monuments, attending events on the National Mall, and trying different cuisines in the city's diverse restaurants.
- Climate: Washington, DC experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, making them popular seasons for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: Washington, DC is a diverse city with a significant African American population. Residents can find communities representing various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
- Education: Washington, DC is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for further education and research. Residents can access a range of educational resources and cultural institutions.
- Cost of Living: Washington, DC has a relatively high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. Rent and property prices can be expensive, but residents may find varying costs in different neighborhoods.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Nearby bigger cities include Baltimore, Maryland, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baltimore is approximately 45 miles away from Washington, DC, while Philadelphia is around 140 miles away. These cities offer their own unique attractions, nightlife, and cultural experiences.
- Pros and Cons: Pros of living in Washington, DC include access to national landmarks, cultural events, and diverse communities. However, cons may include the higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and potential safety concerns in certain areas.
Interview Questions
