HCA Florida Healthcare/Kendall Hospital Program
Location:
Miami, FLSpecialty:
Surgical critical careACGME Code:
4421144126The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Miami, Florida is structured as a one-year program focused on developing future surgeons equipped with the skills necessary to manage critically ill patients. The program is built around the mission of HCA Healthcare, which emphasizes the care and improvement of human life. The fellowship aims to create a rewarding educational environment by offering personalized learning opportunities supported by a dedicated faculty and staff, thus ensuring that the unique needs of each resident are met.
The fellowship encompasses a core rotation in the trauma and general surgical intensive care unit (ICU), which comprises seven to nine months of the training. Additional rotations occur at both HCA Florida Kendall Hospital and HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, providing a balanced clinical experience across diverse environments. This structure allows the fellows to progressively increase their level of responsibility, ensuring competence in managing a wide range of surgical problems encountered in an ICU by the completion of the training year 1.
Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum is meticulously designed to cover various aspects of surgical critical care, emphasizing hands-on experience and clinical decision-making. The primary rotation in the trauma and general surgical ICU immerses fellows in the management of critically ill surgical patients from various subspecialties. In their final months, fellows will be expected to take on greater patient care responsibilities, which enhances their confidence and skill set 1.
Research Opportunities
Research plays a significant role in the academic environment of the fellowship. All residents are required to engage in scholarly activities, which may include research projects, quality improvement initiatives, or case reports, culminating in a QI project during their training. The program has a Research Director specifically designated to assist fellows in aligning research efforts with their personal interests, thus integrating practical experiences with academic challenges 1.
Benefits and Salary
The fellowship offers a competitive salary of $75,317 for PGY6, along with additional benefits that include a $950 educational allowance for on-call meals, comprehensive health and disability insurance from the first day of employment, and support for conference attendance according to program policies. Residents also benefit from paid certifications such as BLS, ACLS, PALS, and ATLS, as well as meals during clinical duties and appropriate lab jackets 1.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the standout features of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital is its small- to medium-sized training environment. This enables fellows to have a more individualized experience, ensuring that each participant is recognized as a unique individual rather than just another face in the crowd. The program prioritizes accessibility, faculty responsiveness, and a flexible administrative structure that fosters open communication and continuous feedback 1.
Visa Support
The program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa sponsorship for suitable candidates. It commonly supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, which are essential for foreign fellows intending to participate in the program 1.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The fellowship is considered highly competitive, with specific application prerequisites that may include the date of medical school graduation and a defined maximum number of failed STEP exams. While the program is oriented toward attracting qualified individuals, it also aims to be friendly to DOs and IMGs, promoting a diverse and inclusive training environment 1.
Website
Director
Orlando Morejon, MDProgram Director, Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Appointed Since June 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
28hrsFirst Year Salary:
$76,267First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
1Location
Miami, FL
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Miami, FL
Miami, FL is a vibrant and diverse city known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and bustling nightlife. Here's what you can expect living in Miami:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Miami has areas with varying levels of safety, so it's important to research your neighborhood. Overall, the city has a moderate crime rate.
- Fun Activities: Miami offers a wide range of activities, from water sports and beach days to exploring historic neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood.
- Climate: Miami has a tropical monsoon climate with hot and humid summers and warm winters. Be prepared for frequent rain showers, especially during the summer months.
- Races and Population: Miami is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population including a significant Cuban, Haitian, and South American community.
- Education: Miami is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities for both residents and visitors.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Miami can be high, especially when it comes to housing. It's essential to budget accordingly to afford living in the city.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Miami is relatively isolated from other major cities. The closest major city is Fort Lauderdale, which is about a 30-40 minute drive away, depending on traffic.
Pros: Diverse culture, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife.
Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion.
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