Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Department of Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine offers a prestigious Surgical Critical Care Fellowship that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This one-year fellowship is designed to provide in-depth training in surgical critical care. The program has been in existence since 2008, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to education in this specialized field.

The fellowship is led by a diverse team of 18 surgical intensivists, supported by multiple anesthesia and emergency medicine intensivists, who together provide comprehensive clinical training and didactic education to the fellows. This collaborative environment fosters professional growth and deepens the fellows' understanding of critical care and acute care surgery.

Program Structure

The fellowship program combines clinical training with a structured educational framework. Fellows will undergo ten months of rotations in critical care environments and two months focused on acute care surgery. This structure allows fellows to gain experience in various specialized settings, enhancing their skills in managing complex surgical conditions.

Rotations

Fellows will experience rotations at key training sites, which include:

• Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Indiana University Hospital: A four-month rotation in a closed unit design that caters to multiple surgical disciplines including General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Urology, ENT, Plastics, Gynecology, and Orthopedics. This rotation focuses on oncological and hepato-pancreatic-biliary conditions.
• Surgical/Trauma Critical Care Unit at Methodist Hospital: Over a three-month ICU rotation followed by one month in surgery, fellows manage both trauma and emergency general surgery patients while participating in resuscitations.
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Eskenazi Hospital: Similarly structured as Methodist Hospital, fellows will spend three months in the ICU and one month in surgery, gaining vital experience with trauma and emergency patients.
• Elective Rotations: Options include a Medical Intensive Care Unit at Eskenazi Hospital and participation in Cardiac Anesthesia, where fellows can learn essential skills such as intubation and the placement of pulmonary artery catheters.

Curriculum and Conferences

The curriculum includes block rotations and opportunities for teaching and participation in scholarly activities. Weekly conferences focused on surgical critical care ensure that fellows receive continuous education and engage in discussions on critical topics relevant to surgical care.

Application Process

Applicants to the fellowship must choose between a one-year pathway focused solely on surgical critical care or a two-year pathway that includes both surgical critical care and acute care surgery. The one-year option is open to candidates who have completed a minimum of three years in an accredited general surgery program.

For the two-year pathway, applicants must have completed a general surgery residency program accredited by ACGME and must be eligible for a full and unrestricted medical license in Indiana. Required application materials include a photograph, SAFAS application form, updated CV, personal statement, and USMLE scores (all steps must be completed), alongside ABSITE scores.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa types for qualified international applicants. This reflects the program's commitment to creating a diverse learning environment that includes residents from various backgrounds.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at IU School of Medicine is considered highly competitive, attracting a wide range of candidates, including those from Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) backgrounds and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The program aims to maintain a diverse cohort and encourages applicants from various educational paths to apply.

Overall, the program is recognized for its strong educational framework, experienced faculty, and commitment to excellence in both clinical practice and teaching. This fellowship prepares its trainees not only to handle the complexities of surgical critical care but also to take on leadership roles in the future.