Henry Ford Health/Henry Ford Hospital Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit represents a premier opportunity for advanced training in surgical critical care. This fully accredited ACGME training fellowship commenced in 1991 and has since become recognized as one of the oldest of its kind in the country. It operates within a large academic quaternary referral center and an ACS-verified Level 1 trauma center with a total of 3 fellowship positions available each year. Fellows will train in a 40-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) that accommodates a diverse surgical patient population across numerous specialties, including trauma, vascular, transplant, thoracic, surgical oncology, and many others, all of which promotes extensive clinical exposure and learning opportunities 1.

Unique to the program is the emphasis on a multifaceted approach to patient care, which integrates collaboration among diverse medical professionals including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and nutritionists. This collaborative dynamic is vital in providing comprehensive critical care to a complex patient demographic. The program's commitment to education and quality care is embodied in the experience fellows garner while dealing with patients who have advanced heart failure and those requiring cardiac surgery in the cardiothoracic ICU, familiarizing them with state-of-the-art procedures and technologies, including ECMO and heart-lung transplants 1.

Clinical Training

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship entails a rigorous 12-month curriculum focused on direct patient care. Nine months are dedicated to intensive training within various ICUs, including the 40-bed SICU, the 32-bed Cardiothoracic ICU, and the 16-bed Neuro ICU, complemented by rotations in trauma & acute care surgery, nephrology, and anesthesiology. The hands-on clinical training is supplemented with an educational model that incorporates simulations, structured teaching, and scholarly activities 2.

A core component of the fellowship is developing clinical expertise through the management of a wide range of critical care patients. For instance, fellows deepen their knowledge of invasive procedures, sepsis management, fluid resuscitation techniques, and ethical implications involved in critical care practice. Administrative responsibilities will also train fellows in leading multidisciplinary rounds and participating actively in quality improvement initiatives within the units 2.

Educational Curriculum & Conferences

The program boasts a robust, structured didactic curriculum designed to create an enriching educational environment. Regular conferences include faculty-led lectures on cutting-edge treatments and management strategies for critical illnesses, M&M conferences, and journal clubs focused on the latest research in critical care 3. Additionally, fellows are provided textbooks pertinent to their specialty and receive funding for professional development activities, thereby ensuring they are well-equipped to succeed in their examinations and future endeavors in surgical critical care.

Faculty and Mentorship

The fellowship program emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration, facilitated by a dedicated faculty composed of specialists in critical care and trauma surgery. This provides fellows with a stimulating environment conducive to learning and research. Faculty members exhibit commitment towards educating fellows and possess diverse expertise that enriches the fellows' training experience 4.

Program History and Impact

Established within a long-standing academic medical center with over a century of history, the fellowship program benefits from its affiliation with Henry Ford Health, known for its commitment to advancing medicine through rigorous clinical training, research, and community service. The program's historical significance and connection to a leading healthcare institution contribute to a rich learning opportunity for fellows who are inclined to become leaders in surgical critical care 5.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility requirements for the fellowship include completion of an ACGME or equivalent residency program and prior clinical education. The fellowship aims to attract qualified candidates who demonstrate competence and experience in critical care 1. The program participates in the NRMP match process, holding interviews from April through August, and applications are submitted through the Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS).

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship opportunities, allowing qualified international graduates to work in the U.S. As such, it may support J-1 or H-1B visas for applicants who meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

Competitiveness

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Henry Ford Hospital tends to be highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. and international graduates. While the selection process is rigorous, the program is also known to be friendly towards well-qualified DO and IMG applicants, striving to select a diverse pool of fellows who exhibit a strong commitment to the field of surgical critical care 1.