Henry Ford Health/Henry Ford Hospital Program

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital is an esteemed two-year program, recognized nationally, that aims to prepare fellows for leadership roles in critical care. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored to equip trainees with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in various aspects of critical care medicine. The program advocates for clinical excellence, innovation, and empathy, ensuring fellows are prepared not just for clinical practice but also for academic pursuits within the field 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to provide extensive clinical education, leading to board eligibility in critical care medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach, the fellowship accommodates trainees with diverse backgrounds such as Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Nephrology, and Cardiology 2. Key aspects of the curriculum include:

• Comprehensive Education: Fellows have protected didactic time focused on high-yield board topics and regular guest lectures on numerous subspecialty topics, enhancing their clinical knowledge.
• ICU Rotations: Training involves rotations across medical, surgical, neurological, and cardiac ICUs, allowing exposure to a wide variety of patient populations.
• Specialized Tracks: The program offers focused tracks in areas such as ECMO, Medical Education, and Ultrasound, which helps fellows tailor their learning experiences to align with their career aspirations.
• Research and Innovation: Fellows access research opportunities with leading experts in the field, supported by institutional resources to facilitate scholarly activity 4.

Training Environment

Training occurs at the flagship Henry Ford Hospital, which provides a rich clinical experience supported by an integrated health care system containing over 877 beds and a large network of specialized services. The hospital is also a significant teaching institution, housing more than 50 ACGME accredited programs and engaging over 900 medical students annually, thereby creating an enriching educational atmosphere 2.

The hospital features over 160 adult ICU beds, one of the largest intensive care unit facilities in the nation, along with access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists across various domains including cardiology and oncology. This environment fosters collaborative learning and professional growth, with ongoing mentorship from renowned faculty members known for their expertise in critical care medicine 2.

Unique Program Features

Several highlights distinguish this fellowship program:

• Diversity and Inclusion: The program emphasizes creating an inclusive environment supporting fellows from varied backgrounds. This commitment to diversity enriches training and enhances the quality of care provided to patients 5.
• 100% ABIM Board Pass Rate: The program boasts an impressive record of board exam success among its graduates, indicating the high-quality education and training imparted to fellows 5.
• Complementary Memberships: Fellows receive free memberships to professional organizations such as CHEST and SCCM, allowing them access to valuable resources and networking opportunities 5.

Application Process

The program is competitive, seeking fellows who have completed residency in accredited programs, particularly those who demonstrate a commitment to the field of critical care. The application process is required through the San Francisco Match. Candidates should be aware that they offer visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates, typically through J-1 and H-1B visas 5.

Special application requirements may include criteria such as a maximum number of failed STEP exams (ideally candidates should not have any), and year of graduation considerations, which might affect eligibility for applications 5.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Fellowship at Henry Ford offers comprehensive research support, where fellows can engage with clinical research and innovation projects. The program offers structured mentorship for research opportunities, helping fellows engage in meaningful contributions to the evolving landscape of critical care 4.

Moreover, fellows benefit from access to the Sladen Library, which offers extensive research support services including literature searches and guidance on publishing and grant writing 4.

Additional Opportunities

Fellows have the opportunity to participate in unique electives, including specialties such as Ultrasound, Palliative Care, and ICU Pharmacy, thus broadening their expertise in the field 5. The program firmly instills a commitment to lifelong learning, encouraging alumni engagement even after fellowship completion, maintaining ongoing educational support and connectivity within the medical community 4.