Hennepin Healthcare Program

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Hennepin Healthcare is a structured, two-year program designed to offer advanced clinical training in a multicultural patient environment. Established in 1990, this program is meticulously tailored for individuals aspiring to specialize primarily in critical care medicine. It entails comprehensive rotations across four distinguished healthcare systems in Minneapolis, integrating diverse clinical experiences essential for fostering proficient intensivists.

Each year, the fellowship accepts three fellows, ensuring an intimate learning environment where fellows can thrive. The first year primarily emphasizes clinical training, while the second year is divided between required and elective rotations, as well as significant clinical research opportunities to bolster academic pursuits and practical applications in critical care.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the fellowship is specifically orchestrated to equip graduates with essential clinical judgment and a robust knowledge base vital for mastering the American Board of Medical Subspecialties Critical Care Medicine examination. The program’s central hub is at Hennepin Healthcare, with rotations extending to three additional institutions: Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Methodist Hospital, and University of Minnesota Fairview Medical Center. At these sites, experienced specialists mentor fellows, fostering a collaborative, team-oriented approach to patient management 1.

Didactic Opportunities

Didactics are a cornerstone of the fellowship experience. Fellows engage in numerous educational conferences weekly, including Critical Care conferences, presenting cases and discussing vital topics within the field. The program promotes attendance at Department of Medicine Core Curriculum lectures and encourages fellows to contribute to scientific discourse through project presentations at national meetings 1.

Weekly Schedule

Fellows participate in various didactic sessions, such as:

• Weekly Critical Care Fellows Conference
• Chest/Infectious Diseases Conference
• Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellows Conference
• Interdisciplinary Simulation and Education Center sessions

Rotation Schedule

The fellowship includes a well-defined rotation structure. In the first year, fellows engage in rotations in the medical intensive care unit (MICU), surgical intensive care unit (SICU), and other critical care domains, culminating in a diverse and intensive clinical exposure 1.

In the second year, the focus shifts to clinical research, allowing fellows to gather substantial experience in clinical management, quality improvement, and advanced teaching methodologies. The second year comprises six months of dedicated research time, during which fellows develop projects that may lead to further presentations or publication opportunities.

Special Features

Unique attributes of the fellowship include:

• A wide variety of clinical experiences across leading hospitals enhancing procedural competencies.
• An academic environment that fosters ongoing collaboration and shared learning among fellows and faculty.
• Clinical research opportunities that allow fellows to contribute actively to advancements in critical care medicine.
• Utilization of state-of-the-art technology and simulation trainings to prepare fellows for real-world scenarios.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship must meet specific criteria. These include holding a medical school diploma, submitting three letters of recommendation, and providing USMLE and/or COMLEX scores. Notably, the program does not set a minimum score requirement; instead, it emphasizes a holistic evaluation based on recommendations and interviews. Non-resident applicants need to possess a J1 visa or green card as the program does not sponsor H1B visas 1.

The application process involves submission through the Electronic Resident Application System (ERAS), as mailed applications are not accepted.

Competitiveness and Visa Sponsorship

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is highly competitive, welcoming a diverse range of candidates from ACGME-accredited residencies in internal and emergency medicine. It allows opportunities for international medical graduates (IMGs) and DO applicants, fostering an inclusive educational atmosphere. Visa sponsorship is provided exclusively for J1 visa holders 1.

Overall, the combination of rigorous clinical training, diverse patient exposure, and strong mentorship ensures that fellows are well-equipped to excel in the field of critical care medicine.